Dear Editor:
Thank you for your Web site as I was able to bring up many back
issues for perusal before writing this.
Dear Editor:
Thank you for your Web site as I was able to bring up many back issues for perusal before writing this. Not that I would even try to match wits with Mark Zappa, but I wish to say a few words about our mayor. Yes another “atta boy” letter about Tom Springer.
First, I have to address the letter from Pamela Jones. Get a life! Secondly, being married to a council member, I know how much has to be done to get even the smallest thing done here in Gilroy. Having said that, it’s the same in any city you go to. There are procedures for the procedures for the procedures. I know it is human nature for many to criticize rather than praise but most of these procedures are put in place before a sitting council is in place.
And, as was mentioned in a past letter, the mayor is only one of seven votes on the council. Would it hurt people to thoroughly investigate a situation before going off on a tirade without all the facts? Wouldn’t you be flabbergasted if someone started saying things about you that were not accurate? And while anyone entering this arena has to expect some criticism, Tom has received more than his share.
Now, I’m not going to say that I have warm and fuzzy feelings about him, as there are days I would like to box his ears, but he always has the good of the city in mind. This city cannot live on rural feeling alone. We need the income generated by new businesses and there is no getting around that. Yes, the downtown needs much improvement but it’s not Tom’s fault progress is slow. There has been more done downtown during his term than has been done in many years – I refer back to those procedures, not to mention money!
The city has to come up with money for all that beautification that in some cases should be the responsibility of business and land owners. It is a tedious job to come up with funds for the many projects that need to be done in any given city; Gilroy is no different. Do some investigation before assuming money is as easy to come by as just writing a check. Why do you think we have a city manager? I digress. Tom Springer gives of more of his time than his critics could even begin to know because he is in places you wouldn’t expect him to be. It’s those behind-the-scenes places where you would see the mayor give unselfishly and generously. Don’t worry Tom, I won’t give away all your secrets.
In closing, I challenged anyone who throws stones to jump in the ring and give of your time, effort and sanity and do what you think Tom or any one of the council members can’t or won’t do. With him gone I think we will see a lot of attention being given to pet projects and not to the city as a whole. You will be missed.
Kathy D. Gartman, Gilroy
Submitted Monday, Aug. 4
