Politics

Q: Why are you running?

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority welcomed new leadership to its Board of Directors Thursday by appointing Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager Chairman. Yeager has served on the board for the past 11 years, most recently as vice chair last year. Town of Los Gatos council member Joe Pirzynski, who chaired the VTA Board in 2005, was appointed vice chair.

In response to growing concerns about speeding and other traffic dangers in neighborhoods, the Gilroy City Council heard a plan for a new Neighborhood Traffic Management program Aug. 27. The plan had originally been presented at a May 21 meeting, but adjustments were made following...

The city council has carved out a vision for Gilroy’s next 15 years and, after its annual two-day strategic planning session, there’s a blueprint that outlines the steps needed to establish Gilroy as one of the most desirable destinations in the country.

Most City Council members favor a high-speed rail system coming

Gilroy’s three biggest public employers have amassed more than $183 million in unpaid pension liabilities. That’s likely more than ever, and a figure that, absent major reform, will grow and siphon budget funds from essential public services, say officials and pension experts.

Eligible Santa Clara County residents who have not registered to vote in the November 8, 2016 Presidential General Election can take advantage of special extended hours today to ensure that they will be able to cast a ballot. The Registrar of Voters’ Office will remain open until 8:00 p.m. today for those who wish to complete their voter registration forms. Today is the last day to register to vote.  Voters can also register online at www.sccvote.org. Online registration must be completed before midnight in order to meet the deadline. Alternatively, voters can sign and return paper registration forms by mail; forms that are postmarked today will be accepted. Paper registration forms are available at post offices, public libraries, fire stations, city halls, and most local government offices. “We hope that all eligible residents of Santa Clara County register to vote before today’s deadline, and then cast their ballot on or before Election Day. Turnout in the last presidential general election was about 80%. We would love to have an even higher voter turnout this November,” said Registrar of Voters Shannon Bushey.  Voters should complete a new registration form if they have moved, changed a name, or would like to change their political party preference. To register to vote in Santa Clara County, a voter must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, a Santa Clara County resident and not imprisoned or on parole for a felony. Voters who would like to check their registration status may do so at Check Your Registration Status. Voters may also request to vote by mail for this election at Request a Vote by Mail Ballot, or they may request to become permanent Vote by Mail voters at Permanent Vote by Mail. Postage is prepaid on all Vote by Mail ballots in Santa Clara County. For more information, contact the Registrar of Voters’ Office at 1-408-299-VOTE (8683) or toll-free at 1-866-430-VOTE (8683), or visit www.sccvote.org. 

Gilroy Sunrise Rotary introduces the 2012-13 Board of Directors: president Joanie Lewis; secretary, Sue Thurman; treasurer, Laurie Cecaci; past-president, Ronald Welten; president-elect, Tony Marandos; foundation chair, Joan Buckley; membership chair, Jennifer Del Bono; new generations chair, Ben Fuller and scholarship chair, Tim Fortino. Gilroy Sunrise Rotary meets Tuesday mornings, 7 a.m. at the Westside Grill, 8080 Santa Teresa Blvd. Suite 100. To learn more about joining this group of community-supportive Rotarians, visit gilroysunriserotary.org or call President Lewis at (408) 202-2204.