Dear Editor,
I am deeply troubled by inaccuracies in Chris Bone’s May 21
article
”
Reviving an arbitration vote
”
which have now been repeated in both an editorial and a letter
to the editor. In his article, Mr. Bone, on whose reporting I rely
and whose fact checking is normally quite good, made two
significant errors. The first was the statement that the Council’s
decision to place interest arbitration on the ballot
”
would, in turn, trigger meetings with the unions that are
subject to binding arbitration, according to Gilroy’s labor lawyer,
Charles Sakai.
”
Attorney says information given to the City Council was accurate
Dear Editor,
I am deeply troubled by inaccuracies in Chris Bone’s May 21 article “Reviving an arbitration vote” which have now been repeated in both an editorial and a letter to the editor. In his article, Mr. Bone, on whose reporting I rely and whose fact checking is normally quite good, made two significant errors. The first was the statement that the Council’s decision to place interest arbitration on the ballot “would, in turn, trigger meetings with the unions that are subject to binding arbitration, according to Gilroy’s labor lawyer, Charles Sakai.”
That is inaccurate. A review of the video from the May 18 Council meeting (www.cityofgilroy.org/cityofgilroy/online_services/web_casts/council_videos/default.aspx) shows that I said, “The issue of interest arbitration itself is negotiable. I don’t think you would have to go to interest arbitration over it, but you do have to bargain with the union before you put it on the ballot.” (1:27:23.) “The issue of interest arbitration itself is not arbitrable.” (1:27:55.)
The second, is the statement that “Sakai told the council Monday night that the state Supreme Court would review an appeal of an appellate court decision that recently struck down binding arbitration.” That is also incorrect.
In response to a question from Councilman Bob Dillon, I said, “Right now the appellate court in the County of Sonoma Case has ruled that it is unconstitutional. We have been notified that it will be appealed. So, there is a period of time before the union would have to take that up.” (1:42:30.)
Over my years of representing the City of Gilroy in labor negotiations, I have appreciated the Gilroy Dispatch’s rigor in covering labor relations and recognize the difficulty of checking every single fact in an article. However, since my “bad advice” and the impact it allegedly had on Council Member Perry Woodward’s vote on interest arbitration were the focus of this article, your failure even to review the statements actually made in the Council meeting are extremely disappointing.
Charles Sakai, Renne, Sloan, Holtzman Sakai
Editor’s note: We have reviewed the tape as well and believe that Mr. Sakai’s information to Council was, at best, ambiguous.
Loves Gilroy and has particular thanks for a Little League coach
Dear Editor,
I am writing because I love Gilroy! The fact that the Memorial Day Parade was successful was due to the wonderful volunteers – thank you! I am thrilled that the Fourth of July fireworks will once again fill the sky above our town – thank you! am also excited to share with you and (hopefully your readers) about a young man who coaches Gilroy Little League.
Now, I know there are many, many people who volunteer to keep this tradition going. Case in point is the Opening Day ceremonies when it seemed all of Gilroy showed up to support the smallest to the tallest players. The manager/coach I am referring to is Nick Franco who with his team of volunteer coaches saw the Boys AA Cardinals to a great season. The boys learned sportsmanship first and foremost and how to play the game. This during a time when professional players act less like the professionals.
Obesity, diabetes and stress are becoming epidemics. It is great to see that some people want to help kids get involved in sports that will last a lifetime. These young players will be the volunteers of the future.
I was amazed at Coach Franco’s patience with the least experienced players and awed at the fact that he coached with a lot of heart and truly shared the spirit of “for the love of the game.”
I don’t have the means to purchase a trophy or a plaque for this wonderful young man, but I hope the smiles on his players’ faces and the respect that the parents have for him motivate him to continue supporting the little guys who look up to him and sincerely have learned that baseball is all about hard work and fun!
A. Alonso, proud mom of a Gilroy Little Leaguer
Medical marijuana – approve it
Dear Editor,
I have multiple sclerosis and marijuana relaxes me. It should be available.
Donald Swick, Morgan Hill
