Dear editor:
Your editorial about whether Gilroy should join the Open Space
Authority was timely and right on the mark.
Dear editor:
Your editorial about whether Gilroy should join the Open Space Authority was timely and right on the mark. I’d like to see the issue on our City ballot this fall so it would be a real topic of discussion during the campaign season. In order to put in on the November ballot the City Council needs to act during July, before their August recess.
Most of us moved to Gilroy or stayed in Gilroy because we love the open space around us and the uncrowded rural atmosphere. I’d bet we’d even be willing to pay 62 cents/week towards retaining that feeling. That’s what the $32. annual parcel tax would cost each family. Not only is the price a small one, but the City of Gilroy would be able to keep 20 percent of the amount to spend on parks within the City.
Back in ’93 the City Council actually voted to join the Open Space Authority, but long-gone Councilwoman Sara Nelson asked for an advisory vote. I understand the voters’ reluctance in November 1993. Back then the Open Space Authority was an idea, a concept. Now, ten years later, the Open Space Authority has a track record. They have emerged successfully from court challenges and have purchased 10,000 acres of that valuable open space. Almost 4,000 acres of it is in South County, up between Coyote Lake and Coe Park.
I think the time is now to let voters re-evaluate joining our Open Space Authority.
Connie Rogers, Gilroy,
former City Councilwoman
submitted Thursday, June 26,
to ed****@****ic.com
