Dear Editor,
We have raises on the top
But, cuts on the bottom
We’re not in Denmark
But something, still smells rotten
City pay raises at the top raises the issue of equity for working class
Dear Editor,
We have raises on the top
But, cuts on the bottom
We’re not in Denmark
But something, still smells rotten
The lower paid city workers
Quite often receive our praise
But only the top dogs
Will be getting a healthy raise
And when they mention a furlough
I thought it meant some deserving R&R
But in today’s government language
It means your check, won’t go as far
I’d like to see more equity
For the city’s working class
Start cutting from the top
Then you’ll save, some real cash
I know my poem
May seem real knee-jerk
But let’s be totally fair
For those who do the work
Tom Engebretson, Gilroy
Sharpen your pencils and send in a nomination to honor our finest
Dear Editor,
Nominations for the 2009 Citizen and Business awards are currently underway. The annual community event spotlights individuals and businesses that have contributed to Gilroy’s greatness.
This year’s categories include the 2009 Man and Woman of the Year, the 2009 Small and Large Business of the Year, the 2009 Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year, and the 2009 Gilroy Educator of the Year.
The Business of the Year awards are presented in two categories: Small Business with 25 or fewer full or part-time employees and Large Business with more that 25 full or part-time employees.
Selection is based on management skills, innovation, personal commitment, community involvement and support, and contribution to the entrepreneurial spirit. The Man and Woman of the Year award is designed to acknowledge individuals who have a history of unselfish, non-paid service to the community.
The Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year award is the only category that is specifically for a chamber member and acknowledges outstanding chamber volunteerism. As in the past, the Gilroy Educator of the Year will recognize an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution within the educational community of Gilroy.
Recipients of awards are recognized at a gala evening event on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club.
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to take an active role in bringing nominations forward so that the individuals and businesses who have made a difference in Gilroy will receive the richly-deserved recognition. Deadline for nominations are Saturday, October 31. Forms are available by contacting the Chamber at 842-6437 or online at www.gilroy.org.
Susan Valenta, President/C.E.O.
‘High hopes’ for the country after Obama’s decision on marijuana
Dear Editor,
It’s good to see the Obama administration deciding to not go after medical marijuana the way the Bush administration did. It gives me “high hopes” that some day the ridiculous prohibition on marijuana will go away.
This is a drug that if fully legal would be a benefit to society. I believe that it would replace alcohol, which is a much more dangerous drug, as a choice for those who want a little buzz but doesn’t want to wreck their cars or become violent and drug dependent. This is a step in the right direction and America is better off for it. Thank you President Obama.
Marc Perkel, Gilroy
