The Gilroy Business Political Action Committee or (GILPAC) Committee, a legislative arm of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce announces the following endorsements for 2024 local City of Gilroy positions:
- Mayor: Marie Blankley
- City Council Members: Terence Fugazzi, Kelly Ramirez, Fred Tovar
The GILPAC committee is made up of a diverse group of local business owners and engaged community members seeking an increasingly, economically and socially, vibrant city. We know California cities are facing increased financial pressure due to staffing costs (i.e. Cal-PERS) and infrastructure improvements, while revenues have stagnated.
Many volunteer hours went into individual candidate interviews and reviewing their detailed questionnaire responses. We believe both Kelley Ramirez and Terence Fugazzi bring a business friendly and fresh approach to the existing council; Councilman Fred Tovar experience and open-mindedness; and Mayor Marie Blankley continuity, oversight and tenacity.
I appreciate the time of all those candidates who submitted responses and interviewed with us, and also the committee members who helped make these endorsement decisions.
Neither Councilwoman Rebeca Armendariz nor Councilman Zach Hilton chose to seek GILPAC’s endorsement.
Vic Vanni
Chairman of the GilPAC Board
how do we find what companies make up this organization, so we know where to not do business?
If only it were so simple to obtain this endorsement but, many of us feel there is a big conflict of interest – firstly the chamber receives funds from the city of gilroy, your pac is not a public company votes aren’t open to the public- there’s no way to check if city funds are being used in your pac. The chamber during the pandemic assisted station 55 to build its parklet, you needed revenue – then when the city decided to not renew her parklet after spending thousands to build it- members of the chamber left her in the lurch. It took Rebeca Armendariz, Fred Tovar, Zach Hilton and our residents to rally for her.
These are the same people upset at the fire department for endorsing Rebecca Armendariz. Huge conflict of interest here and both are in the each other’s pockets. The chamber and city government want to keep Gilroy a “small” town. That ship has sailed. Time for a new future for Gilroy and new leadership.