Dear Editor,
But why would Gilroy only put cameras to catch graffiti vandals
downtown? The city parks are also always marked as well.
Perhaps if we assess why this is happening on such a regular
basis, our residents might consider the fact that our kids have
time on their hands, and not a lot to do with it, especially since
we offer nothing supported by the city for our teens.
Cameras to catch graffiti vandals certainly aren’t the whole answer
Dear Editor,
But why would Gilroy only put cameras to catch graffiti vandals downtown? The city parks are also always marked as well.
Perhaps if we assess why this is happening on such a regular basis, our residents might consider the fact that our kids have time on their hands, and not a lot to do with it, especially since we offer nothing supported by the city for our teens.
MACSA has opened a wonderful activity center at El Portal School for Friday night sports fun – but not all teens want to do sports in their free time. What about considering a teen center? As Gilroyans, we revel in the fact that our Garlic Festival brings us so much acclaim, and most of it has to do with not only with the food and fun, of course, but also for our volunteers. However, the quality of life that a town such as ours has to offer to families is apparent when people come to the festival and see Gilroy.
Think about this. If all these wonderful people who are willing to donate their time, energy and mentorship to the kids that they work with during the festival, why can’t we consider the idea of helping our younger citizens grow even further beyond those three days?
I know I enjoyed working with my high school compadres in Gourmet Alley. Talk about an opportunity! Is our town, which is becoming more like a city with our growth, ready to take the challenge? We have to consider the cause of the effect of the mindless destruction that mars our city due to most certainly, bored teens, and recognize what we can do to collectively change this, year round, if people truly care.
Valerie Hunt, Gilroy
Three councilman shouldn’t meet where ‘the sun don’t shine’
Dear Editor,
I agree with Gilroy Dispatch Editor Mark Derry, Mayor Al Pinheiro, Councilman Dion Bracco, Councilman Peter Arellano and Gilroy resident Tom Lewis (who wrote a letter to the editor) and every Gilroy resident I have discussed this issue with (not more than three at a time) who think that Gilroy City Councilmen Bob Dillon, Perry Woodward and Craig Gartman should not meet away from City Hall to discuss city policy matters.
Yes, Councilman Dillon it is not violating the law, but I would challenge him and say that it is unethical. It takes a majority to violate the Brown Act, I understand, but a meeting with more than two councilman can raise a variety of questions and ethical issues. I find it a contradiction that the same three councilmen are meeting away from other councilman and the public’s opportunity to hear what is discussed in regards to structuring the proposed Gilroy City Sunshine Law or any other city policy. I thought that is what City Council meetings and study sessions are for?
Sure you are meeting in a restaurant “public place” but that is a private meeting. If one other councilman is informed of what was discussed in the meeting without letting the rest of the council in on what is transpiring that would be a violation of the Brown Act.
Councilman Dillon states in his guest column, “As to the sidewalk issue, it has been re-evaluated and discussed, augmented, and as I count the house, will come to fruition in September,” and “The proposed Sunshine Ordinance, which will likely be enacted in September …,”
Why even go to the council meetings if these matters are already a done deal before the public has a chance to get up at a meeting and tell you what they think? That does not sound ethical to me! Why not wait to bring up issues and concerns at real public meetings so other councilmen and the public can weigh in on what is discussed? Yes we do have freedom of speech and assembly in this great country but when it comes to elected officials their are times when those rights could comprise what is best for the people that elected you.
More disappointing is having Councilwoman Cat Tucker agreeing that these meeting are acceptable. I wonder if former Mayor Mike Gilroy would approve of three councilmen having a private meeting to discuss city policy? Councilman Dillon referred to Mayor Gilroy as saying, ” Fall on your sword issue,” in the column he recently wrote. Falling on your sword issues have nothing to do with meetings in private. Fall on your sword issues are in front of people that would question your decisions. This does not happen if those people are not present and do not know the issues or what is discussed.
I also wonder what Councilman Perry Woodward’s law professor would think if he knew three councilman were structuring city policy away from the council dais? The Sunshine Boys should save their meetings where the sun shines and not where it does not.
Arthur C. Barron Sr., Gilroy
Garlic Festival, city should team up with Caltrain to reduce traffic
Dear Editor,
In lieu of recent news of increased VTA/ Caltrain ridership, high gas prices, and weekend delays on U.S. 101, why hasn’t the city looked into a partnership with local public transportation providers to provide extended service to Gilroy for Garlic Festival weekend?
Both sides would benefit from the increased promotion and a decrease in drivers would certainly help to quell traffic congestion.
Lydon George, from Gilroy, living in San Francisco
