DEAR EDITOR:
I am writing in response to Eric Leins Sept. 5 article on Gilroy
First!, and to clear up any misconceptions about who we are and
what we’re doing.
DEAR EDITOR:
I am writing in response to Eric Leins Sept. 5 article on Gilroy First!, and to clear up any misconceptions about who we are and what we’re doing.
Gilroy First! is an issues committee dedicated to asking candidates pointed questions about issues affecting Gilroy and its future. We expect answers that will help voters choose candidates that best represent them. We, the community of Gilroy, face challenges and difficult decisions. We need leaders who understand what the voters want and we need voters who voice their opinion. If 90 percent of the voters participate, instead of 25 percent – as in the last City Council election – the mayor and council will know they have a real mandate. That’s why we register voters of all parties and all political beliefs. That’s why we organized the candidate forum for September 17. That’s why we’re publishing the candidates‚ views on some of the issues we think are critical.
Gilroy First! does not take sides nor endorse specific candidates. We are a group of Gilroy citizens who came together over our concern about economic development impacts and incentives, the environment, and other issues. Our membership is open to anyone who wants to help get Gilroy voters registered, educated, and to the polls.
Some of our members put their concern into action by running for council. Others are working on the campaigns of various candidates. Other members continue to focus on our mission: increasing voter participation.
To further our mission, we have asked all candidates to participate in our forum and in our questionnaire. Contrast our inclusion of all candidates with the targeted process of groups that endorse candidates, such as the party-affiliated groups and unions. They interview only a select group of the candidates. We want to publicize the views of ALL candidates.
So far, we have registered 200 new Gilroy voters. In partnership with Gilroy Voter Registration Project, we continue to register folks at grocery stores, at Gavilan, at school and community events. Join us by calling 848-8138 to find out the site registration schedule. Come to our next meeting, Sept. 11. Support us with donations toward the forum and brochure projects. Most importantly – register, learn, and vote!
Rose Barry, Co-Chair, Gilroy First!
Submitted Sunday, Sept. 7 to ed****@****ic.com
