Politics

Since California has had strict protections for keeping government open to the people. That’s why we were shocked to see that Gilroy’s Mayor Roland Velasco was giving his state of the city speech to an audience that paid $30 apiece at a Chamber of Commerce fundraiser to hear it last week, and with him were four other city council members.

After nine years of service to the Gilroy community, City Administrator Jimmy Forbis today announced his retirement.  His retirement is effective as of July 31, says a statement from the city.  During his tenure in Gilroy—previously as the city’s finance director—Forbis “played a key role” in...

Ordinance would require a permit for alcohol consumption and

Attorney Perry Woodward succeeded Don Gage as Gilroy's mayor Monday night.Don Gage retired from the post on Dec. 31 after 30 years of public service and with 10 months left on his term.  Woodward will serve out the remainder of Gage’s term, which expires in December. Residents will be able to vote for a mayor to serve a full four-year term during municipal elections in November.The council will next select a replacement for the empty council seat from applicants who apply to the city clerk by January 15. The sole dissenting vote was cast by councilmember Roland Velasco, who said while he likes Woodward personally, the pair have had “too many policy disagreements” to vote for him. No other councilmember was forwarded to take on the role. The meeting quickly moved forward to the reading of the oath of office, during which Woodward stood with his two young daughters. The entire proceedings took about five minutes. After taking the Oath, Woodward said he promised to represent all residents, not just those who live in his neighborhood or show up to meetings.The only hiccup to the proceedings occurred minutes later when Woodward attempted to make a motion to appoint city council member, Peter Leroe-Munoz as mayor pro tempore.The item was not on the night’s agenda and three people from the audience spoke up, including the chairman of the city’s Open Government Commission, Walt Glines, who had some succinct words of advice for the council, “If it’s not on the agenda, don’t do it.”With that, Woodward recanted, saying, “Ok, you’ve persuaded me.” The mayor pro tem will be selected at the next city council meeting.The city's attorney had counseled Woodward earlier to appoint a secondary mayor right away in case Woodward had to miss a meeting. Woodward, a local lawyer, has served on the Gilroy City Council since 2007, the last 3 years as Mayor Pro Tem.

This November’s election will be hugely important for Gilroy and for the nation as a whole. Not only will it be a test of our presidential election system, but it will be an opportunity for Gilroy residents to vote for a mayor and three council members of their choice. Mayor Woodward, Cat Tucker, Teri Aulman and Daniel Harney all finish their terms at that time. This is an exciting moment in the history of our democracy. I hope that Gilroy residents will register to vote if they haven’t already, and that all registered voters express their wishes at the polls.

For its first and only meeting in December, the newly-formed

Two longtime Gilroyans and former Gavilan College students have