Opinion

• Yes. Competition is already fierce and when competing against unlicensed, typically uninsured vendors, it simply is impossible and unfair. • Yes. With an exception. This year they should simply be warned and given instructions on obtaining the proper license. Since the city has allowed street vendor selling to go on so long, the small businesses will have interested a lot in inventory, and it wouldn’t be fair to face this loss unexpectedly. I don’t think our local businesses are significantly affected. The people who buy from the street vendors aren’t going to buy from our local florists in the first place. The cost difference is likely dramatic. • Yes. Local businesses pay for their location, permits, business licenses, utilities, insurance and taxes among other costs to make products available to the public. I don’t believe people should come into our community to sell merchandise with very little overhead nor responsibility. • Yes! When laws are in place, they must be enforced. Period. • Yes! Finally, it appears that the work on Valentine’s Day was a job well done. Unlicensed vendors pick the pockets of brick and mortar businesses as well as skim tax revenues from city coffers. I would like to see enforcement applied to taco carts next. I’d bet anyone a burrito lunch, from Victoria’s, that the portable wagons around town are also in violation. • They should be regulated and, if not permitted, then notify them they are in violation and give them information to get licensed. After that, give them a ticket and shut down. All businesses should have a license to operate in the city so they are paying taxes and following guidelines for health if they are serving food. • Shut down. Market competition is good as long as the playing field is level. Illegal vendors have lower costs and, therefore, an advantage over legitimate businesses. Also, consumers should have a reasonable expectation of quality and safety which illegal vendors cannot provide. Finally, if vendors are not controlled, there is potential for conflict

Saint Louise sales tax increase survey essentially rigged to foster a ‘positive' response

Plastic bags, school lunch edicts ... think about the level of government in our lives

1. It’s OK to spend some of that $20-plus million in the bank

• Perry Woodward, hands down, no question. Gilroy does not need another "old guard" good 'ol boy. Someone capable, intelligent and independent needs to take the reins at City Hall to move Gilroy forward. Woodward brings fresh ideas to the table and will be far more effective, even with a slight change in the Council. • Woodward. • I can't response other than "Not Decided." Councilmen Bracco and Woodward must provide their plan and position for our city for us to make a decision. What has transpired during the past four years does not set either of these men in a position of leadership in my opinion. Whomever is to be mayor must have strong control over the city manager and staff. It is not enough to be a mayor without complete control and guidance over staff. Too often staff controls the city, not the council. Both candidates are strapped tightly to the police and its union. One through his business the other through his familial relationship, which leads me to believe they will do nothing to rid our city of binding arbitration with the police union. • Oh, I'd have to vote for Perry, but I would give Dion a job in the "Raising Alarm Department"! • If I must, OK, Dion. • Dion Bracco, he has worked long and hard, is a regular citizen with a down to earth approach. • Perry Woodward. I am not really excited about either choice but I really can't relate to Dion Bracco - his ideas and point of view seem dated and uninspired. At least Perry seems to have some enthusiasm and energy for the job. • Dion Bracco. Aside from the inquiry into Perry Woodward's alarm information, I think Dion has the most common sense and will work for all of Gilroy. Dion works here and knows many of the locals that have businesses and I feel he would be better at bringing the community together on issues of importance. • Dion Bracco. He has been a very involved in the community person both before and during his City Council member tenure. I have known him to care deeply about Gilroy, its senior citizens, children, families, public safety including long-term involvement in the Gilroy Gang Task Force, DARE program, Gilroy Exchange Club and youth sports. • Neither one. There is no real information about any of their qualifications, just some negative reporting about actions taken to find out things about Woodward. Really? Let's hope some transparent and capable people step up to the plate in the coming months.