GILROY—Peter Leroe-Muñoz, a Gilroy councilman, wants to simultaneously improve the quality of the state’s public education and cut regional crime rates. In an interview with the Dispatch July 18, Leroe-Muñoz, a Democrat, announced he’s running for California State Assembly in the November 2016 election.
The seat, currently held by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Watsonville, represents the state’s 30th Assembly District which includes Gilroy, Morgan Hill and portions of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. But Alejo will not be running for re-election. Instead, Alejo’s wife, Karina Cervantes Alejo, announced in April she wants to fill her husband’s seat.
Leroe-Muñoz, 35, said he believes his experience as deputy district attorney in San Benito County, where he prosecuted cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking and others for five years, gives him a unique perspective which he can use, if elected.
“I’ve seen the effects of crime and the negative impacts they can have on our neighborhoods and the fear and devastation it causes. I’ve seen people caught up in gangs and those kinds of lifestyles and families really torn apart. It’s troubling for those families, our larger economy and the regional economy,” Leroe-Muñoz, who also serves on the Gilroy Youth Task Force, said. “This is what’s really motivating me to run for assembly; this is what I want to do.”
He points to a “direct correlation” between low-performing schools and high-crime neighborhoods, but says it’s everyone’s responsibility to take on social issues.
“I think that increasing resources for schools and law enforcement is essential. But I also intend on creating a human circle of service, caring, innovation and resources around each one of our low-performing schools.”
Leroe-Muñoz said his experience putting criminals behind bars in San Benito County was rewarding. But he wanted to do more than investigate crimes and help secure a conviction for offenders; he wanted to help prevent crime by getting involved with youth.
“It’s important that (good district attorneys) focus on the facts and the evidence, not any outside political considerations,” he said, drawing a comparison between prosecutors and elected representatives. “You have to make difficult decisions in a very public setting; everything goes on the record and you’re always being watched—as you should be.”
If elected to the Assembly, Leroe-Muñoz said continuing economic development and strengthening the regional transportation system will be two of his other priorities. To him, that means listening to people from all walks of life and making critical, informed decisions, but with an open mind.
“Every corner of the district needs to be well represented at the state level,” he said. “I want to be sure I understand issues across our district, listen to people from all over the area and ultimately represent everyone.”
The 30th Assembly District encompasses both Pajaro and Salinas valleys, and includes 6 percent of Santa Clara County along with all of San Benito County and 25 percent of Santa Cruz County.
Leroe-Muñoz said through his service on the council the past five years, he’s learned the importance of connecting with citizens regardless of whether they stand with him on an issue.
Shortly after he was first elected to the council in 2010, the leader of a community group that didn’t endorse his candidacy approached him, concerned there might be bad blood.
“He seemed almost embarrassed about the whole thing and afraid I’d maybe hold it against him,” Leroe-Muñoz recalled. “But I told him: ‘My door will always be open whether you supported me or not. This is our city and we’re going to work together. We may not always agree but my door will always be open to listen and to learn.’”
“One thing I’ve learned is not to prejudge,” he added. “Being willing to listen and be open is critically important. When you’re elected, people are entrusting you to do the best possible job you can. That’s really the lifeblood of public service, that communication with the public.”
Age: 35
Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley and law degree from Harvard University
Service: Deputy District Attorney in San Benito County (2007-2012), Gilroy City Council (2010-present)
Board and Committees: Gilroy Youth Task Force, Historical Heritage Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water District Uvas/Llagas Committee, Santa Clara County Cities Association Board, Santa Clara Valley Water District Water Commission, Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority, California HSR Sub-Committee
