The cast of directors governing Bonfante Gardens will likely
stay the same, but that doesn’t mean the west Gilroy horticultural
park will spurn help from aspiring board members.
Gilroy – The cast of directors governing Bonfante Gardens will likely stay the same, but that doesn’t mean the west Gilroy horticultural park will spurn help from aspiring board members.
The park off Hecker Pass Highway, known for its manicured gardens and painstakingly grafted “circus trees,” received three applications for a pair of openings on its board of directors, said Patti Harmon, a board member in charge of recruitment.
Two of the candidates have already been interviewed, but Harmon said the board is likely to re-appoint sitting president Bob Kraemer and member Greg Martinez. Both sent in letters in recent weeks expressing their interest in additional two-year terms.
Kraemer helped guide Bonfante Gardens through a debt restructuring in the last three years that trimmed $70 million from its debt load and kept the park out of bankruptcy court. Martinez is a newer member who has rekindled interest in the educational vision of park founder Michael Bonfante.
As the park navigates out of financial trouble and looks to the future, Harmon said it would not turn away the expertise of board hopefuls.
“The good thing about this process is that we’re finding other people who could possibly lend expertise in areas that we need help,” Harmon said. “One retired gentleman had experience in forming membership groups of financial donors and is interested in helping us set up a similar program.”
The park is also on the lookout for business people, investors and others who can offer financial advice or help pull down grants from foundations and private donors.
Such people, Harmon said, may have the chance to serve in “ex-officio” positions – non-voting members who play active roles shaping the park’s programs and vision.
The complexity of managing the park was an “eye-opener” for City Councilman Dion Bracco, the city’s new appointee to the body. Bracco has attended two meetings so far and, with Kraemer’s help in particular, is beginning to wrap his mind around the park’s financial and operational details.
Despite its troubled past, Bracco believes Bonfante Gardens can be successful.
“But more than that, it can bring a lot to our city,” he said. “The more successful that park is, the more successful our wineries and hotels and restaurants will be.”
Bracco and other board members will vote Feb. 13 on new appointments. Questions regarding ex-officio positions should be directed to Harmon at 846-6858.
