When it comes to planning decisions in Santa Clara County,
Gilroy residents often feel that their voice is overpowered by
larger cities to the north. However, the city should at least have
a greater say on transportation issues, as Gilroy Councilman Perry
Woodward will serve on the Santa Clara Valley Transportation
Authority board of directors starting next year.
When it comes to planning decisions in Santa Clara County, Gilroy residents often feel that their voice is overpowered by larger cities to the north. However, the city should at least have a greater say on transportation issues, as Gilroy Councilman Perry Woodward will serve on the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority board of directors starting next year.
Woodward will represent Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Milpitas on the board for the next two years. He will be sworn in Jan. 7 after being named to the board on Dec. 7. The group oversees transportation issues in Santa Clara County and manages its bus and light rail system.
The councilman noted that he will have plenty of work ahead during his term. One of the biggest challenges will be making difficult financial choices amidst a large deficit. Woodward noted that cities throughout the county are sure to experience reduced services in the coming year as spending cuts are made.
On a more positive note, the VTA board of directors voted this year to have a board member who solely represents Morgan Hill and Gilroy instead of grouping those cities with Milpitas.
However, that change will not come about during Woodward’s term because of an existing joint-powers authority agreement.
Like his time on the council, Woodward said he predicts his two-year term on the VTA board will be focused on short-term and long-term budget issues.
“These are grim times for public agencies, and there are difficult decisions to be made,” Woodward said.
