Roland Velasco has raised 20 percent more in campaign funds than Perry Woodward in his bid to be elected Gilroy’s next mayor. According to FPPC filings posted by the city clerk to Gilroy’s website, Velasco has raised $44,194 to Woodward’s $35,899 as of Sept 24.
Woodward, who was named mayor Jan. 4 by the council following Don Gage’s surprise resignation, saw 18 checks roll in during the opening days of the new year. Big landowners, developers and related construction support services provided most of Woodward’s funding.
At least $7,500 of the early January checks came in from 10 family members and business partners of large land owner Gary Gillmor: Nevada residents Pamela Gillmor, daughter Gina Gillmor Coons, son-in-law Chad Coons and stepson Jason Alan; Gillmor investment partner Nick Livak and wife Mary Ellen of Santa Clara; Gillmor employee Cariste Blasé, her husband James Harlen, a mechanic, and her mother Graceann, a cosmetic representative. The contributions were dated between Jan. 3 and Jan. 6 and were in $750 denominations.
Gillmor and his partners own 1,850 acres and hope to develop 250 acres of that into a luxury home development while dedicating the balance to open space.
Woodward contributors also included the developers and owners of the Glen Loma Ranch project: Filice family members, Arcadia Associates and Brookfield Mataro LLC., San Jose retail developers Imwalle Properties and its principal John Razumich contributed $1,000.
Velasco also received $6,750 in donations from nine Gillmor-affiliated donors. His support base is broader than Woodward’s, however, and includes more small donors. Among Velasco’s contributors are a Sacramento-based group that grooms Latino Republican candidates for municipal office and the leaders of the Gilroy Growing Smarter, urban growth boundary proponents Joe Lovecchio, Sandie Silva and David Lima.
Velasco also received support from Sacramento area energy executive Marc Lucatuorto, Watsonville Mushroom growers Don & Sharon Hardness, Morgan Hill farmer George Chiala, LJB Farms and Morgan Hill’s Kawahara Nursery.
Despite his strong start, collections slowed for Woodward after Velasco declared in February. By the end of June, Velasco raised $24,569, a bit more than Woodward’s $23,650.
In the most recent period, Velasco outraised Woodward, bringing in $19,625. He spent $13,843, and ended with $28,434 in cash. Woodward reported contributions of $12,249 and spent $13,695—$1,446 more than he raised—ending with $21,541 in the bank.
She the complete statements attached to this story.
Â
Â
