Editor’s note: The original print version of this story did not include Roland Velasco, a former council member who became a qualified candidate by the Aug. 13 deadline. A correction ran in the Aug. 22 edition.
Two incumbents, a former council member and two current planning commissioners all qualified to make it on the November ballot as official candidates for three open seats on the City Council. While Councilman Peter Arellano did not file the required paperwork, Council Members Dion Bracco and Peter Leroe-Muñoz did.
Three non-incumbents, former council member Roland Velasco and two current planning commissioners, Tom Fischer and Paul Kloecker, also obtained the required number of signatures from registered voters to qualify as candidates and set up campaign accounts by the Aug. 13 deadline.
The original deadline, Aug. 8, was extended after Arellano did not file. Under the California Elections Code, non-incumbents are allowed five additional days for the opportunity to make it on the ballot only if an incumbent does not file. Incumbents are prohibited from filing during the extension, the law reads.
While Kloecker previously served on the council, this is the first time Fischer has run for the office. Fischer said he’s been following the council’s actions for years and said it would be a “natural transition” to serve the City as a councilman. He explained he felt inspired to throw his hat in the ring after witnessing the occasional discord and personal attacks between some council members.
“I’ve noticed a lot of bickering on the council lately and I thought, since I’m a balanced guy and don’t get excited that often, I might be able to bring a little settlement,” Fischer told the Dispatch. “I didn’t like the way they decided to change city attorneys. I didn’t like the process and it seemed to me they should have offered the public more reasoning.”
Kloecker, a former three-term councilman beginning in 1983, said he enjoyed serving the City and is encouraged by the direction Gilroy is headed.
“I feel I’m very well qualified and am dedicated to continue that as councilman,” he said. “I see that the council has adopted a strategic plan with timelines and I think they’re very much on track. I’d like to be a part of continuing that effort towards their goals.”
Velasco, who served two terms as a council member beginning in 1999, said the council has been making some anti-business moves when it should be focused on increasing the tax base. He pointed to the recent passage of the sign ordinance that banned a variety of signage across Gilroy as an example.
“The City will be facing some major decisions in the coming years and I want to be part of that decision making process,” Velasco said. “I bring a regional perspective to the council, know the ins and outs of City Hall and frankly believe the citizens of Gilroy deserve better than the decisions they’ve been making lately. We need to be aggressive when it comes to economic development and job creation.”
Bracco, founder and owner of Bracco’s Towing, said he hadn’t planned on running again—but Mayor Don Gage reminded him of his value on the council.
“(Gage) pointed out that with my business experience, I am an important part of the council and my voice is needed,” Bracco said. “As a business owner, I don’t believe that we are truly out of the woods yet with the economy and we need to be cautious and conservative when it comes to our City budget.”
Bracco pointed to the construction of the Gilroy Public Library—bringing it in ahead of schedule and under budget, he said—as some accomplishments over the past four years.
“I am also proud of my part in forming the South County Youth Task Force to deter young people from joining gangs—but the work is not finished. I want to continue working with our youth to better our whole community,” Bracco said.
Leroe-Muñoz, former Deputy District Attorney in San Benito County, said he’s enjoyed serving on the council and playing a part in Gilroy’s evolution and growth.
“The City is moving in a very positive direction, and I think it’s important to continue that momentum. That’s a big reason why I’m running again,” he said. “We have a lot of important decisions ahead of us.”
Leroe-Muñoz said collaboration is key in actually making a difference in the community and pointed to work with Bracco and Gage on the South County Youth Task Force and the City’s finances as personal accomplishments.
“We’ve been able to double revenues for our gang prevention services; it really has made an impact in providing services for youth throughout the City,” Leroe-Munoz said, of the task force. “(The council) has been able to put forward a balanced budget during our budget cycles and keep our reserves strong and full.”
All three open council seats are for four-year terms. The election will take place on Nov. 4.
