The police chief’s refusal to answer questions in a timely
fashion about the crime rate is irresponsible
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
JEERS: For the news that the crime rate is up and arrests are down coupled with a stunning lack of communication from Gilroy Police Chief Gregg Giusiana, who declined to be interviewed on the matter, requested e-mail questions, then didn’t respond those, for days on end. The inquiries included basic questions like:
– Are there any unique factors to this year that have impacted crime rates?
– Do the increases recorded indicate a need for more officers?
n Are there any changes in officers’ time use that could decrease crime?
In following recent news stories, it appears gang activity is up as well. Public safety is a critical concern for residents in Gilroy, and the police chief should address the issue publicly in a timely fashion when called upon to do so. Ultimately, however, City Council candidates running in November will have to answer for the crime rate and a non-communicative police department.
CHEERS: For Frank Filice, who rescued an injured golden eagle on the Eagle Ridge Golf Course, and for Sue Howell, the director of the non-profit Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center, who is directing the bird’s medical treatment. Orion will be put back together by James Roush at the Princevalle Animal Hospital.
CHEERS: For the Gilroy Rock ‘n’ Ribs festivities in the downtown core area Saturday. Good food, good music and a good start for a new event. One thing is clear, however, our downtown needs a square, a place where people can gather in the shade of trees, sit on grass or benches and listen to music. That central area would make events like Rock ‘n’ Ribs far more appealing.
CHEERS: For the California State Supreme Court which ruled correctly Monday that public employee’s salaries are a matter of public record. Tracking how the government spends our money is vitally important to preserving the integrity of American government from the local fire department all the way to the White House.
CHEERS: For Gilroyan Nellie Ortega who finished as runner-up in the local Ms. Senior America pageant. The 64-year-old sang a love ballad, “Amor, Amor”, gave a 35-second speech on her philosophy of life and obviously impressed the judges with her beauty – inside and out.
