Letters on the mayoral recall, the Victory Outreach crew and the
governor’s race
Recall worth every penny if mayor’s ouster ‘prevents one rape’
Dear Editor,
The editorial board of The Dispatch is the one off base in it’s assessment of the recall effort. The cost of the recall is not $400,000; it is between $42,000 and $65,000 since we will time the recall to coincide with the general election next November.
This is the same cost the mayor is willing to spend to rescind the twice voter-approved binding arbitration clause in both the fire and police contracts. Using half truths to scare off the recall effort will not work. We fully expected Don Gage, The Dispatch and all the other big name elites to line up with Mayor Al Pinheiro. The Dispatch should pay more attention to their readers who overwhelmingly support the recall effort 60 to 40 percent.
The recall cost is minuscule if it will save one life, prevent one rape, save someone’s house from fire, catch one robber, and chase one gang out of town. Reducing police and fire personnel was the wrong move. The mayor’s refusal to even consider the sale of assets proves he is disingenuous as well as a danger to public safety.
His bully tactics are what brought on this recall, not a personal vendetta as the mayor often claims when anyone criticizes him. The mayor is right on one thing. It is a sad day for Gilroy when for the first time in 20 years that public safety isn’t even on the council’s top 10 priorities list. Public safety is number one on most people’s minds considering the alarming increase in serious crime.
Mark A. Zappa, Gilroy, RecallGilroyMayor.com
Residents should see recall move for what it is – a GPOA gripe
Dear Editor,
With regard to the recall of Mayor Al Pinheiro, there are a couple of things that must be brought to the attention of my fellow Gilroyans:
1. The cost of the recall election will be nearly $100,000.
2. Though I love the Gilroy Police Department, I cannot fathom the Gilroy Police Officers Association’s involvement.
3. The marriage between GPOA and Mr. Mark Zappa is really an effort to continue binding arbitration for GPOA. Binding arbitration is not good for us. Binding arbitration takes away one of the powers of the people we elect to represent us. Binding arbitration brings in an outsider to tell us what we must pay GPOA members. Peace officers salaries must be established by the people we elect.
4. How convenient that Mr. Zappa and Councilman Perry Woodward were having coffee when a “gang fight” broke out right in front of their eyes! (And I voted for Mr. Woodward because I thought him intelligent.) It appears to me that this “gang fight” was staged for the benefit of Mr. Woodward.
5. Fellow residents, this recall is not what it appears to be. Police officers are very motivated to reach for higher positions in law enforcement. They train in small departments and then transfer to bigger departments where promotions are more readily available. That two well-trained officers left the Gilroy Police Department is no big deal. We should all be motivated to strive for higher goals.
6. With regard to gang activity, let me mention that applying the law as it is written regarding mutual aid would help solve this problem. I have seen California Highway Patrol, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, the Probation Department and even the Sheriff’s helicopter surround a house of a suspect without shots being fired. Coupled with this, a police officer has the right to stop and question a suspect and or enter the house if the suspect is on probation or parole. The permission is given to the authorities as a condition of the probation or parole. I would like to see more of that and less of the GPOA, unless of course they want a police review board.
Conclusion: I urge all citizens to looks carefully at this recall and decided if we want the Mr. Zappas of Gilroy running our fine police department. Is this really worth $100,000 in costs for this “thing”?
My fellow Gilroyans, look at the issue and consider if our mayor, Mr. Pinheiro, is anti-police or is the accusation just another volley of blanks shots to see what will stick.
Mr. Pinheiro has done a pretty good job so far and he deserves our support for continuing his term in office.
Edward P. Sanchez, Gilroy
Victory Outreach crews get their hands dirty and do a great job
Dear Editor,
I have served as swing shift supervisor over the pot and pan washers in Gourmet Alley for many years. I am amazed every year how the men and women from Victory Outreach have epitomized the term “work ethic.”
Their perseverance, workmanship and sense of duty provides an example to all the volunteers of the Garlic Festival.
Yes, I know the long hours and conditions that all volunteers endure, but I challenge anyone to change places with the men and women of Victory Outreach working in Gourmet Alley.
The success of Gourmet Alley is hinged upon these people of Victory Outreach for doing the work that no one would be envious to do.
Victor Valdez Jr., Gilroy, Lion’s Club Volunteer
What California doesn’t need is a Gov. Schwarzenegger clone
Dear Editor,
Republican candidate Tom Campbell would be a Gov. Schwarzenegger clone who would relentlessly be picking on state workers.
No thanks!
Lori Sum, Gilroy
