Meet the candidates for Gilroy City Council

On the Nov. 5 general election ballot is the race for three seats on the Gilroy City Council. All three incumbents are running for reelection, and three political newcomers are challenging them. 

Six candidates are running for Gilroy City Council, and voters can select up to three names at the polls or on their vote-by-mail ballots. The top three vote-getters after the ballots are counted will win the three available seats, according to election officials. 

Council members’ terms are four years. 

Those running for Gilroy City Council are incumbent Rebeca Armendariz, Stefanie Elle, Terence Fugazzi, incumbent Zach Hilton, Kelly Ramirez and incumbent Fred Tovar. 

In an effort to help readers get to know the candidates a little better, the Dispatch sent them the same list of personal and policy-related questions and asked them to send back their written responses. Their answers are published here, edited for brevity and clarity. 

Rebeca Armendariz

Dispatch: Any biographical information you want to share? 

Rebeca Armendariz: I am 49 years old, and was born and raised in Gilroy. My kids are fifth generation Gilroyans. My great grandmother arrived in Gilroy in 1919. I am currently the Director of Movement Building at Working Partnerships USA.

 My hobbies and interests don’t stray far from my work and role as an elected public servant. I enjoy helping people, mentoring and teaching young people leadership skills, as well as engaging workers and community members in civics. 

Gilroy’s location also allows me to take lots of short road trips to beautiful places throughout the coast. 

Why are you running reelection to the Gilroy City Council? 

I am running for reelection because there is much more to learn about the issues working families of Gilroy need. I’m actively learning more and working on solutions. More importantly, I will continue to be a voice for those underserved and underrepresented members of our community—from youth to seniors to service workers and the unhoused. 

I am the only renter and only the second Latina ever to be elected to the council, despite Gilroy’s Latino population consistently being the majority. My cultural and ethnic background gives me a different perspective and experience that needs to be represented in our city leadership. 

What are some pressing issues in Gilroy that you would like to work on if elected? 

Gilroy needs to invest in accessible activities and recreation for all of our residents—youth in particular. We know that such investment creates the best health, educational and socioeconomic outcomes for our youth and community members. 

We currently have a “cost recovery” model that only provides minimal discounts to low income residents. We have to do more. 

The other issue I would prioritize is the lack of low income housing stock and lack of renter protections which prevent homelessness. We have seen an increase in evictions and families are struggling. We can put policies in place to protect them. 

If the City of Gilroy discovered $5 million that needed to be allocated immediately, what areas would you spend that money on, and why?

I would spend some on our fire department, to get it more adequately staffed. Dedicate one-third to after school programs and recreational scholarships, and some to establish a safe park program on city land. 

Why should Gilroy reelect you to the city council? 

I have been dedicated to my community my whole life. I will continue to lead with compassion, equity and justice. 

Stefanie Elle

Dispatch: Any biographical information you want to share? 

Stefanie Elle: I’ve been on the Gilroy Planning Commission since 2021, reappointed in 2023. I earned a Masters degree in clinical psychology and have over 20 years of experience as a self-taught engineer. I’m a beekeeper with the Gilroy Beekeeping Association. My husband, Ivan, and I started a local car club for our vintage cars. 

Our son, Max, proudly serves in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ms. Maple Bar, German Shepherd, is a regular feature on my social media. In my free time, I love biking, gardening, hiking and tackling DIY projects around the house.

Why are you running for Gilroy City Council?

I’m running for Gilroy City Council because I believe our city needs leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability and thoughtful growth. We’ve seen too many decisions made without fully considering long-term impacts. I want to ensure Gilroy thrives by supporting local businesses, addressing housing needs and tackling homelessness with real, evidence-based solutions. 

I’m committed to asking the tough questions and making thoughtful, data-driven decisions that benefit our entire community.

How would you spend $5 million for the City of Gilroy? 

If the City of Gilroy discovered $5 million, I would prioritize long-term community impact. First, I’d allocate funds to public safety, ensuring our police and fire departments have the resources, equipment, stations and staffing they need to keep our community safe. 

Additionally, I’d invest in strengthening City Hall’s internal capacity by hiring and training staff, reducing our reliance on costly external consultants. This will allow for more data-driven, transparent decisions that benefit the entire community efficiently. This would free up funding long term for other priorities such as infrastructure, roads, and vulnerable communities.

Why should Gilroy elect you to the city council?

Gilroy should elect me to the City Council because I bring a fresh perspective rooted in transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision making. My experience on the planning commission has shown that I’m not afraid to ask tough questions and push for thoughtful, long-term solutions that benefit the entire community. 

I’m committed to smart economic growth, strengthening City Hall, and supporting public safety. I believe in listening to residents and ensuring their voices guide the future of Gilroy. I will bring integrity, collaboration and a focus on practical, effective solutions to the council.

Terence Fugazzi

Dispatch: Any biographical information you want to share? 

Terence Fugazzi: I grew up in SoCal as the son of a hard-working, low-income, single mother who sacrificed much to prioritize quality education for me. At barely 17, I started, and eventually graduated, from Cal State Northridge with a BS in Computer Science. There is where I met my wife of 32 years, Nancy. 

Eleven years ago when my work came to NorCal, we chose Gilroy as our forever home and the best place for our only son to go to school at Christopher High. 

I am a small business owner with 30-plus years experience as a marketing executive for various technology companies over that time.

Why are you running for Gilroy City Council? 

Cities always face challenges as they grow. Most in Gilroy are not opposed to growth; we just want smart growth that preserves the DNA, the culture, the charm and the hometown feel we all love. 

If growth changes that dramatically, people such as myself will leave—I don’t want that for my family or others. I have skills gained, and a track record of success from 30-plus years of business that will help our city navigate growth, help make tough budget decisions, smart negotiation with developers, and improve the path at city hall for new small businesses. 

All of this is key to growing Gilroy in a sustainable way and preserving the things we love about it.

What are some pressing issues in Gilroy that you would like to work on if elected? 

Doing the hard work on tough budget issues in the next cycle and beyond. Establishing public safety funding with a path forward that secures proper service levels for fire and police for many years to come. Enforcing laws and ordinances on the books with universality and equality. 

Our service levels and staffing have not kept up with growth. Our funding for these services has not kept up with growth. More economic development by continuing to increase our presence as a key tourism destination. 

Building more great-paying local jobs by putting in place enticing programs that attract new businesses and evolve Gilroy industry with the times.

How would you spend $5 million for the City of Gilroy?

There are many factors that would enter such a hypothetical—especially post-election. So I will state my answer with the assumption Measure C (public safety sales tax) passes. In this case, I would set this money aside for economic development for use in new programs to offset impact and other costs to attract large, modern technology businesses to our area and create more local jobs. Doing this enables more top line revenue that can flow into the budget for years as opposed to a short-term, one-time expenditure that cannot produce increased city revenues.

Why should Gilroy elect you to the city council?

I am, by old school Gilroyan standards, just a noob here. That said, with 11 years under my belt, an extreme love for Gilroy, and 30-plus years in business, I can bring to bear my passion as well as my experience in analyzing data, solving hard problems, bringing sides together, negotiating tough deals, building partnerships, admitting when things go wrong and adjusting quickly, and an outside-Gilroy perspective without any baggage of being beholden to anyone. 

With no personal need or agenda, I am doing this solely for the benefit of all Gilroyans to give back to them as a public service. I will always fight for the betterment of Gilroy families first. 

Zach Hilton

Dispatch: Any biographical information you want to share? 

Zach Hilton: Zach Hilton, 47, at-large Gilroy City Council member elected in 2020, and currently a 24-year firefighter/paramedic (IAFF Local 55) with the City of Oakland. My daughter, Avery, 13, is an eighth grader in Gilroy public schools, and my wife Katie is a paraeducator for Gilroy Unified School District. 

Katie grew up here in Gilroy and I grew up in Berkeley. After meeting in 2002, getting married and living around the Bay Area, we decided to move back to Gilroy in 2012. I grew up riding and racing bikes and it’s still my preferred way of getting around town. 

Why are you running reelection to the Gilroy City Council? 

Over the past seven years, as former chair of the Gilroy Bicycle Pedestrian Commission and current Gilroy City Council Member I’ve gained the governing experience and built the necessary coalitions within the community and region to have a seat on the Gilroy City Council. Whether it is accomplishments we made in active transportation, safe routes to school, welcoming new businesses that allow us to grow as a community, housing for all, and safe spaces for youth, the role my office plays in the community makes me proud each day.

What are some pressing issues in Gilroy that you would like to work on if elected? 

We have accomplished a lot together. I promise my office will always treat this council seat as an extension of your voice. As I’ve done in the past, I will continue to bring you the decisions and actions of our city government through social media, coverage in local press, videos, town halls, tabling at events, press releases, email and my newsletter. 

My vision is simple. Have a livable Gilroy for all. We can achieve that through safe communities, local economic development, housing for all and quality education

How would you spend $5 million for the City of Gilroy?

I would use $1.5 million to fund the Miller/Uvas Creek Trail Bicycle Pedestrian Crossing Improvement Project, $1.5 million to fund a USA BMX Race Track and Pump Track at the Gilroy Sports Park, and $2 million would go to Gilroy families in order to provide monthly rental payment relief. 

Why should Gilroy reelect you to the city council? 

Year-to-date my office has worked with our state and federal legislators to secure $5.2 million for project funding that directly benefits our residents, from a bike/pedestrian trail extension on the westside, San Ysidro Park on the eastside, and an enhanced crosswalk for senior housing on the southside. 

We have sponsored, tabled, hosted a booth, and attended over 150 community events in 2023-24; handed out free resources, listened to constituents, and free bike helmets, including Chalk Fest, La Ofrenda Festival, Registrar of Voters high school education events, free bike repair and bike days, community posadas and school family resource fairs.

Kelly Ramirez

Dispatch: Any biographical information you want to share?

Kelly Ramirez: I have lived in Gilroy for 49 years. My husband of 37 years, Pete, and I have raised our three children in Gilroy and are proud grandparents of four grandchildren and our fifth on the way. I am also a proud military mom. 

I have been active in the community for decades and currently serve on the Gilroy Garlic Festival Board of Directors as their treasurer; I am on the planning commission; and I am the president of the Gilroy Rotary Club. I was a teacher for 17 years and pivoted to nonprofit management for 15 years.

Why are you running for Gilroy City Council? 

I was encouraged to do so by several people that I highly respect, including former councilwoman Cat Tucker, former mayor/county supervisor Don Gage and current councilmember Tom Cline, who all saw my passion for Gilroy and my leadership skills. They all felt I would bring respect and common sense to the dais. 

I am confident that my experience in managing a $5 million-$6 million dollar budget that relied heavily on cost recovery as well as my experience in staff management are needed on the dais.

What are some pressing issues in Gilroy that you would like to work on if elected? 

First and foremost, my focus will be on public safety. We are grossly understaffed in both police and fire; we lack the appropriate number of fire stations; our equipment is aging. 

The second, which would help in supporting the city, including public safety, is to create thriving economic opportunities. 

Equally important is the need to regain local control so that we, as the Gilroy community, determine the growth based on the infrastructure—including public safety—that we can appropriately provide.

How would you spend $5 million for the City of Gilroy?

I would either invest in public safety or economic opportunities. I would direct the funding towards the gap necessary to build the fourth fire station and/or direct the funds to the Economic Development Corporation to assist in the investment of a high caliber Economic Development Director that would be successful in recruiting economic drivers in investing in Gilroy providing necessary revenue and jobs.

Why should Gilroy elect you to the city council?

I have proven that I invest the time necessary to represent the entire community. Since declaring my candidacy 14 months ago, I have spent countless hours each week listening and learning. I have met with the current police chief; several former chiefs; several current firefighters and the past fire chief; the current city administrator; several former city administrators; building owners; business owners; landowners; developers—all to listen and learn. 

I have also done two ride-alongs with the police department and one with the fire department. I will continue to walk neighborhoods throughout Gilroy to listen and learn from all.

Fred Tovar

Dispatch: Any biographical information you want to share? 

Fred Tovar: My name is Fred M. Tovar, M.Ed., and I have dedicated over two decades to public service, focusing on strengthening communities and promoting educational excellence. Currently, I proudly serve as a member of the Gilroy City Council. Prior to this role, I spent eight years on the Gilroy Unified School District Board and four years on the Board of Trustees for the San Jose/Evergreen College District. 

One of my greatest passions is helping local students achieve their educational dreams and pursue higher education. Giving back to my community has always been a priority, which is why I am committed to initiatives that support both students and families.

Why are you running for reelection to the Gilroy City Council?

I am running for reelection because I believe my experience, dedication and passion for public service will continue to benefit Gilroy as we face new challenges and opportunities. Over the past eight years as a councilmember, I have worked to ensure that our community’s top priorities—public safety, economic growth and downtown revitalization—are addressed with focus and determination.

Running for reelection isn’t just a political decision for me; it’s personal. I’m committed to continuing the work I’ve started, focusing not only on addressing the immediate needs of our residents but also on investing in our community’s long-term success.

I believe in a common-sense, solutions-oriented approach built on proven leadership and collaboration. 

What are some pressing issues in Gilroy that you would like to work on if elected?

One of the most pressing issues is public safety. I am committed to ensuring that our police and fire departments have the resources they need to protect our community. This includes expanding our school resource officers, investing in advanced training and modern equipment and securing the timely construction of a long overdue fire station.

Economic development and job creation are also crucial for our future. We need policies that encourage local businesses to thrive, creating more jobs for residents. I have been a champion of efforts to revitalize downtown, but there is still work to do to make downtown a vibrant hub for both commerce and community life.

How would you spend $5 million for the City of Gilroy?

If the City of Gilroy discovered $5 million in immediate funding, my top priorities would be public safety, infrastructure and support for local businesses.

First, I would direct a portion of the funds toward enhancing public safety by hiring more police officers and school resource officers and ensuring our fire department has the equipment and staffing necessary to handle emergencies. Fast-tracking the construction of a new fire station would also be a critical allocation, as it would help reduce response times and protect our residents.

I would also invest in affordable housing initiatives. The housing crisis remains a pressing issue in our region, and it’s vital that we use available funds to create sustainable housing solutions for our residents and unhoused population.

Why should Gilroy reelect you to the city council?

Gilroy should reelect me because I have a proven track record of leadership and collaboration, and a deep commitment to delivering results on the issues that matter most to our community. Over the past eight years, I have championed initiatives that reflect our shared values, from establishing Cesar Chavez Day as a city holiday to fighting to secure additional resources for police and firefighters to keep our community safe.

Some of our recent achievements include launching a successful five-year street maintenance plan to prevent further deterioration of our roads, ensuring our streets are properly maintained. I have also supported bringing two NHL-sized ice rinks to the Gilroy Sports Park.