Schwarzenegger won’t be visiting Coastal Tractor in Gilroy as
part of campaign efforts
Gilroy – Plans for a Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger campaign visit to Gilroy have been changed, according to campaign representatives, and ignore the rumors: the governor won’t be making an appearance.
“We have Gilroy on our radar, but there’s no solid details whatsoever at this time,” said regional press secretary Amanda Fulkerson. “We don’t even have a date specifically set up.”
A press conference had been planned for 11am Monday, at Coastal Tractor, 6454 Chestnut St., in Gilroy, said general manager Al Parolini. The site was chosen for its relevance to the agriculture industry, he added, and would include Schwarzenegger campaign representatives talking about the contested “tractor tax” issue. However, upon hearing that representatives of Schwarzenegger’s campaign said the event was a no-go, Parolini said he would defer to them.
Opponents of a suggested tax exemption repeal have dubbed it “the tractor tax.” The exemption, Assembly Bill 426, reduces sales tax 5 percent on farm equipment and diesel used in agriculture. The bill was signed by then-governor Gray Davis in August 2001. The governor’s opponent, Phil Angelides, has suggested repealing the law to support state education.
The Gilroy event was planned by the California Farm Bureau Federation in conjunction with the Schwarzenegger campaign, according to Parolini. Schwarzenegger snagged the group’s endorsement in August, in part due to his promise not to raise taxes. To promote the exemption – and the governor – the Farm Bureau launched a “No Tractor Tax” campaign this summer.
“We’re looking into doing an event in the area, but it was never intended to feature the governor,” said Fulkerson. Instead, she explained, the “No Tractor Tax” events showcase local farm bureaus and farmers themselves.
“They tell stories about money they’ve saved,” Fulkerson said. “Folks take it really personally when Angelides calls [the tax exemption] a corporate tax loophole.”
Miscommunication between the Farm Bureau and its contacts in Gilroy caused the confusion, she added.
“The Farm Bureau had some interest in doing the event in Gilroy, and they’d put out some feelers there,” Fulkerson explained. “They probably didn’t clarify that the governor doesn’t speak at these events.”
The California Highway Patrol and the Gilroy Police Department had yet to be notified of any event, according to Sgt. John Banister and Sgt. Kurt Svardal. Nor was the Santa Clara Republican Party aware of an event.
The governor’s office said they were unable to confirm any event until the day before, when Schwarzenegger’s daily schedule is released.
