Opinion

Passing an urgency interim ordinance – normally reserved for extreme and unforeseen situations – is more than a bit premature, it’s perplexing.

Dear Editor, Now that I have stopped laughing, and gloating, at the March 1 “Riffraff in the parks” article, I will share some thoughts. 

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.

• No. I think that is too late to start, considering how long some of the meetings last. The community will participate if they feel the issue impacts them significantly. Otherwise I don’t think you can make these meetings compete for attention in an average resident’s day. For those who have to attend, the time change just makes it more painful. • Yes, in a negative way as most people are busy during the day and sometimes evening meetings are difficult to attend- the earlier start the better. • No. If an interested party has an item on the agenda they would like to hear or address in person, there’s plenty of time to get to the hearing by 6 pm (at least 6:30 after opening matters, interviews, presentation, proclamations report, etc.). Quit your whining and skip dinner if you need to like the rest of us! Citizenship is a duty, not a convenience. • No, I believe it will allow those with a long commute to attend and staff should be able to adjust their work schedules. • It could impact in both directions, more participation if you don’t work in town and want to be heard but can’t get home in time to participate or, less participation if you get home, have time to eat supper and then end up not feeling like going down to City Hall. Your topic’s position on the agenda is a major concern for deciding to attend Council meetings, can’t spend all night there and really shouldn’t have to miss supper. Starting a little later is a good thing. • I would like to think so, as it would give commuting residents time to get home and maybe have some dinner before they come to a meeting or watch it on

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.