Editorials

Having the Santa Clara County Office of education step in and forcibly  take over the finances of the Gilroy Unified School District is more than a community embarrassment, it points out a critical issue in Superintendent Debbie Flores’ administration.

With city contract bargaining season in full swing, it’s imperative that the city not just hold the line in one key negotiable area, but roll it back further to ensure long-term financial stability.

When it comes to using $5 million in library bond funds to build a parking structure or lot, we’re all for it – if and only if the lots and/or structure is the highest and best use for the entire community.

We’re still flabbergasted over the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees’s approval five years ago of a Capital Improvement Bond that netted  $2.4 million at an ultimate cost of $28.2 million.

Gilroy has all the pieces in place to really start making “economic hay” in the next 5 years. And there’s every reason in the world to start that economic engine ASAP.

1. Annexation to the city should not muddy proposal

The city's signature event and its best chance for renewed economic activity has been dormant over the past four years, so it is good to see city council members are showing serious interest in reviving a Hollister motorcycle rally in July 2013.

1. Squabbling has continued for more than six months

As a community, Gilroy should be worried about the huge, brand-spanking-new outlet mall opening in Livermore.

The fact that the Hollister School District paid a law firm specifically to find “deficiencies” in a charter school petition underscores the sharp lines drawn in a political battle against reform models and shows that local officials - despite glaring evidence it would likely spur academic success - are steadfast against changing a failed system.