DEAR EDITOR:
Two years ago the Gilroy Right Track Committee helped support,
through public forums and political endorsements, the inclusion of
the 660 acres east of the Outlets into Gilroy’s new General Plan,
an effort that was ultimately very successful.
DEAR EDITOR:
Two years ago the Gilroy Right Track Committee helped support, through public forums and political endorsements, the inclusion of the 660 acres east of the Outlets into Gilroy’s new General Plan, an effort that was ultimately very successful.
Important though it was, that effort was only part of the reason why the RTC was organized. Simply stated, the RTC mission is to keep our city on the “right track” – to inform residents and to support measures that maintain effective city policies regarding five primary concerns: growth, job creation, opportunities for youth, land use and the financing of local government services. Membership is open to any concerned local citizen who agrees with that mission and shares our determination to keep Gilroy on the “right track.”
Today Gilroy citizens are reading and hearing about another vital issue that requires both clarification and support: the matter of economic incentives being offered by the city to commercial developers. Important because of its direct relevance to three of those five primary concerns (job creation, opportunities for youth and city services), this issue becomes of even greater significance because of its implications for the Gilroy City Council election this November.
With that in mind, the RTC is sponsoring a public forum, entitled: “How Are Economic Incentives Good For Gilroy?” to be held Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at the new Gavilan College CMAP Studio (see directions below).
The purpose of the forum is to explain these incentives in detail, to trace their history and the impact they have had on public services here, and to clarify how they may affect the proposed relocation of Wal-Mart and the future movement of additional new retail businesses to our city.
Speakers will include Gilroy City Manager Jay Baksa and Economic Development Director Bill Lindsteadt. RTC member Jane Howard will act as moderator. Public attendance is encouraged as questions and comments will be invited from the floor. This program will also be televised live via local Charter Cable TV Channel 20 and simulcast on Channel 17.
Whether attending in person or not, interested citizens may email their questions to the RTC at: “ri******@ga****.com” prior to the meeting.
We urge concerned citizens to attend this important meeting. But if you can’t be there in person, please remember to “tune in.”
Sam Bozzo and Ric Heinzen, Gilroy, RTC Co-chairs
Submitted Wednesday, May 28 to ed****@ga****.com
