Has the Mi Pueblo grocery chain made the right decision opting to check the immigration status of new employees?
• Yes, it’s the lawful and ethical practice to follow. The founder of Mi Pueblo came to the U.S. as an undocumented resident by his own admission, as did many others, including affluent Gilroy residents. They were given opportunities and were intelligent enough to benefit from those opportunities. Although some view his choosing e-Verify as hypocritical, he must follow proper employment processes in order to protect his business. • Yes. It is the appropriate thing to do in the hiring process. I do when I hire and I hope you and others do, too! • Yes. Mi Pueblo and all companies within the U.S. should use eVerify to ensure that workers are citizens or have the proper work permit and are in our country legally. This is a country of rules and we need to follow the rules or risk losing our country. • Yes. I believe it is the law to ensure employees have the legal right to work in this country. • Yes, this is an American business and should follow all the rules of this country. • Unquestionably, yes. It’s the right thing to do in every way. • Yes. This should be a normal business practice when hiring employees, but because of the nature of this business, as well as any other service industries, this is a sticky topic for management for many reasons. For Mi Pueblo to have the integrity to say this will be their policy is definitely in their favor. • Yes they absolutely have made the right decision! The fact that the union Is contemplating protesting is ridiculous. MI Pueblo will not only be following the law they will be creating an environment that makes employment for legal immigrants and citizens more fair. If Mi Pueblo follows through with the checks, I will shop there more because of it. • Yes, not sure where a “decision” comes in, it’s the law! • Yes. In these economic times, it is fiscally responsible for Mi Pueblo to protect themselves against costly fines associated with employing undocumented workers. • Absolutely YES! This is the law, all the rest of us have to follow it, check our employees or be checked as an employee – this is a legitimate business and does need to follow the law, the rules and the regulations of the land.
Councilman’s juvenile tantrum
Jeers for Councilman and mayoral candidate Peter Arellano who threw a tantrum and stormed out of a City Council meeting Monday night after coming out on the short end of a 4-1 vote. Our local elected officials have to have thick skin and possess the judgment to know what battles to pick and when to let go. Those attributes are especially valuable when the going gets a little rough. And those skills are absolutely necessary for the next mayor who has the unenviable task of “putting Humpty Dumpty” back together again. The Council is fractured and listless. This is just the latest example – and a really bad one from someone who says he’s ready to lead the city?
4 letters: No room for name calling this election
No room for name calling this election; it is a time of healing instead
Remembering those who died on Sept. 11
A historical, significant act doesn't burst on the scene in one day. It begins with a germ of an idea deep in the crevices of the human heart. The right kind of heart connected to hundreds of other hearts ready to do good for strangers.
4 letters: There are no incumbents; Vineyard School back in business; Bottomless money pit for public transit; Republican debt clock a joke
After redistricting, there are no true ’incumbents’
If you had a budget choice between hiring more police officers and expanding recreation and youth programs, which would it be?
• Expand youth and rec programs. We need to get use to making due with
With three candidates officially in the mayor’s race, who is your choice to lead Gilroy?
• Don Gage ... hands down. Don has the experience in both city and county government seats and has always put “Gilroy first.” • Dion Bracco. I gave him my word months ago. What good is my word if I don't keep it? • Don Gage. Don is very collaborative, considerate and open-minded. He has strong ties at the county level and will ensure Gilroy receives our fair share of resources and representation. I also feel Don Gage considers the good of the entire community. The other candidates seem to be myopic in who they represent, creating a very divisive atmosphere. • Dion Bracco. Although I wish he would have been more transparent with his past, I do believe he is the best person for the job. His heart and soul are for Gilroy and I support him. • My choice would be Don Gage. He has the demonstrated experience and the “ability” to get things done. Pretty clear choice in my opinion. • Based on his logic, leadership, personality, experience, track record, I will vote for Don Gage. • Don Gage. Mr. Gage is a tried and true leader with a vast amount of experience and contacts within Gilroy, Santa Clara County, Bay Area and Sacramento. Mr Gage has demonstrated his leadership in past roles and Gilroy Council member, Gilroy mayor, county commissioner, and most recently Santa Clara Valley Water District. His skills and management style will benefit Gilroy for the next four years. • Undecided. We could use fresh and new faces in our local government going forward. • I choose Don Gage. I feel with his past experience and connections he will be a valuable asset for our community. • Don Gage. His record, like the record of his opponents, speaks for itself. Don’s record is why I support him. • Gage is a proven leader, an integral part of our community who can unite our divided City Council and inspire them to act in our best interests.
JFK’s San Luis Dam speech inspires vision
Fifty years ago this month, President John F. Kennedy visited Pacheco Pass and gave a speech I wish every American politician today might take to heart. He gave it to a crowd of Californians who met on Saturday, Aug. 18, 1962 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the San Luis Dam site in the eastern hills of the Diablo Mountain Range. The words Kennedy spoke that hot, dusty, summer day are not well-remembered now, but I believe they offer wise advice on what good governing is all about.














