Voters in November election made a clear statement for
openness
Newly elected Councilman Perry Woodward has delivered on a key campaign promise – a promise that we believe contributed significantly to his position as the runaway top vote getter in the November election.
The “Gilroy Open Government Ordinance” is just what the electorate ordered in response to the culture of secrecy which has been nurtured and cultivated at City Hall. That culture shamefully led to the crowning “achievement” of having the two top police officers in the city of Gilroy secretly retire and stay on the job earning double pay after striking a deal with City Administrator Jay Baksa. It’s a culture that mocks the idea that the power rests with the people.
In Gilroy, the powerful have consistently let the people know who’s in charge. From secret payout settlements with a city employee fired for harassment to behind-closed-doors briefings related to the city’s potential purchase of Bonfante/Gilroy Gardens, in response to the quest for information which the people need to judge the fairness and competency of their government, it’s been a parade of stall, dodge and call the attorney. Lawyer fees and public access be damned has been the sad mantra.
The newly elected City Council has an opportunity to reverse poor past practices. Certainly the measure as proposed should be discussed and debated before a final version is hammered out. But the “Gilroy Open Government Ordinance” should be in keeping with the call for open government clearly made by the voters in November. Councilwoman Cat Tucker, Mayor Al Pinheiro and Councilman Bob Dillon all pledged their support for an open government ordinance in two taped interviews at the Dispatch/AAUW forum broadcast by community television and in meetings with our editorial board. Councilman Dion Bracco, Craig Gartman and Peter Arellano, hopefully, will also embrace the notion of open government, though often those in power choose an elitist path until power is wrested from them.
Fortunately, in our country that option exists. If Councilman Woodward’s ordinance is not passed in substantial form, then we would urge him to qualify a ballot measure which may, in fact, wrest even more power from those unwilling to let the bright light shine into the backrooms of City Hall.
We hope that step will not be needed. But we know where to find the volunteers to get signatures backing a ballot measure if necessary.
Now is an opportune time for the Council to seize momentum. With the city administrator’s pending retirement, it’s an opening to take a huge step in an enlightened direction and signal to the people that conducting their business in public under full scrutiny is a top priority for Gilroy’s local government.
What a refreshing turnaround that would be. What a new day would dawn in Gilroy.
There really is not a downside to open government unless the view is that scrutiny should be avoided. That view is a wholesale rejection of the spirit of American government. Remember, the Founding Fathers demanded a free press and free speech in part to make sure the people’s business is always done in the clear light of day.
We implore the City Council to make a choice for the people, to let the light shine upon their decisions and on the workings of those employed by the residents. Making that choice immediately forms a trusting bond between the people and the city.
It’s what’s Gilroy needs and deserves now.
