Councilman Dion Bracco is an open government advocate and
there’s a big thank you from the holiday aprade chairman
Comments ‘misconstrued’ – he’s a key supporter of open government
Dear Editor,
As the author of the Gilroy Open Government Ordinance that is now being considered by the City Council, I am puzzled by some of the comments recently made on this page. My colleague, Councilman Dion Bracco, has been criticized – even granted the “rubber chicken award” (from a letter writer) – for what some see as his opposition to open government. This is a mistake. I consider Mr. Bracco to be a key ally in my effort to end the culture of secrecy that has prevailed for far too long at City Hall.
Mr. Bracco’s comments last week have been misconstrued and taken out of context. While he believes in open government, he is concerned about releasing videotapes of closed session meetings where the Council is dealing with union negotiations. I share his concern. It would be a mistake for the Council, even after union negotiations are completed, to reveal its strategy and tactics. It could put the city at a disadvantage the next time negotiations occur with the same union, or even with a different union.
While I believe that the proposed ordinance adequately addresses this issue, as with other parts of the ordinance, discussion will be required before the Council can decide how it will strike the delicate balance between openness and fiscal responsibility. I welcome my colleagues’ input and look forward to a vigorous and open discussion about open government and its necessary limits over the next couple months. My hope is that concerned members of the community will likewise join the discussion by sharing their views on what open government means to them. That is the surest way for Gilroy to ultimately benefit from an open government policy that is custom tailored to the needs of our unique community. Let’s not confuse helpful input such as Mr. Bracco’s with the real problem, namely city officials and employees who have grown comfortable conducting the public’s business in secret and who are not inclined to change.
Perry Woodward, councilman
Chairman thanks all the ‘elves’ who helped with holiday parade
Dear Editor,
Well, the holiday parade is over and the Christmas season has begun. I would like to extend a big thank you to all of our parade participants this year. You made the parade a great one and, without you, there is no parade! I hope you are in for next year. T
hank you to all the volunteers who helped keep order, all the downtown sponsors and also a thank you to Headstart Nursery for the beautiful poinsettias that were donated for our stage and Articulate Solutions for our posters.
Thank you To Steve Gearing for letting us use the front of Happy Dog as our check-in point and to Eric Cohen for the use of his sleigh. A big thank you also goes out to Supervisor Don Gage for being our wonderful Master of Ceremonies. If you showed up at 4:30 or shortly thereafter, I hope you enjoyed the sounds of James Murray and the Suzuki Violin Studio of Gilroy under the direction of my wonderful wife, Suzanne Lambert. They provided the pre-parade entertainment. If you didn’t you should plan on getting there early next year.
Also a big thank you to Donald “Elvis” Prieto and the Gilroy High School Chamber Choir for their post-parade entertainment. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce, the Gilroy Exchange Club and South County for hosting a multitude of activities for the children in the Chamber breezeway and the Cannery District Visitor Center.
Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Claus, especially Santa, for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit and talk with the children and take a photo with them, for without your presence it just isn’t Christmas. Thank you to all the businesses that stayed open later to be a part of this community event and a special thank you to Susan Jacobsen and Dave Peoples for your help, your support and direction.
One last thank you to all the spectators that were there in support of our Downtown Holiday Parade 2007 and Tree Lighting!
See you next year.
Albert Lambert, Downtown Holiday Parade chairperson
