Letter to the Editor: Gilroy Council Needs Liberal Armendariz

Dom Payne submitted the following letter to the editor in support of Rebeca Armendariz's run for Gilroy City Council.

Dear Friends,

I attended the "Meet The Candidates Forum" in North West Gilroy, on the evening of Friday, Sept. 28, and it was an eye opener. My friend  had the opportunity to share her vision for Gilroy. She did a great job, with the women in the crowd of around 50 people seeming to respond in particular.

When I left after the event was over, she was still there with people gathered around to talk to her. It was an exciting night.

If we have a city council comprised of ultra-conservative candidates, it really hurts the long-term vision of a Gilroy that cares about its entire community; that recognizes the idea that the school district is an integral partner whose success correlates to the City's success, that the growth of Gilroy should include protection of our open spaces, and that our small downtown businesses should be given priority over big box stores and their interests.

They will actively work against the support of those issues. Also, perhaps more moderate, but conservative leaning councilmembers will not help without a council that has the presence to move forward on these issues.

Let's make sure that presence is there, or we will regret a crusading city council, when they attempt to protect the interest of the few, and shut the majority of us out.

Please help, and let's change the status quo in Gilroy. And really, if it is at all possible, when all is said and done, how can we not?

In Community Spirit,

Dom Payne

Do you agree with Dom? Does Gilroy need a less conservative council? Will you vote for Armendariz? Or are you on the other side of the fence? Do you like the council the way it is? Tell us in the comments!

To submit your own letter to the editor, send an email to jacob.bourne@patch.com.