Accountability

I'm focused on ensuring that our city programs really benefit everyone here. That means more than just starting programs—we also set clear goals and check their progress regularly. Whether it's improving safety, fixing roads, or boosting jobs, I believe in measuring success with real results.

That's where performance and project metrics come in. We should be setting clear goals for success and use solid data to track how well our project and services are doing. We can't afford to wait until the end to check in either; we have regular checkpoints to make sure we're on the right track. This allows us to adjust when needed.

Using data and regular check-ins, we make sure our efforts are working well for our community. I'm committed to working with staff to implement success metrics and be open about results to see how our programs are doing and how they help our city grow. Together, let's make sure every program we start makes a real difference in Gilroy.

Yes on Measure C: Support Public Safety but Demand Better Accountability

As a community, we need to stand together for the safety of our families, homes, and businesses. That’s why I support the upcoming ballot initiative Measure C to fund our fire and police services. These services are vital to Gilroy’s safety and well-being.

However, while I stand behind the measure, I do so under duress. I believe we must look at how we came to this point and ensure accountability and transparency for how the funds will be used.

The Problem That Got Us Here

Unfortunately, poor stewardship and a lack of long-term planning have left us in this position. The initiative is being presented as the only viable solution to fund public safety, but no other options were seriously considered or mentioned. A more robust discussion around alternatives, such as grants, could have provided better solutions without placing the entire burden on a use tax increase.

Lack of Community Outreach

Additionally, where was the community outreach? Citizens deserved a chance to be involved in the decision-making process, understand the need for this tax, and share their concerns before the final proposal was made. This would have created a solution that had greater public buy-in and addressed potential concerns up front.

Missing Accountability in the Measure

A significant concern is the lack of concrete accountability measures. While the initiative requires an oversight committee, these committees typically lack authority over how funds are spent. They review expenditures after the fact and, while they can raise concerns, they cannot prevent mismanagement in real time.

Instead, the oversight committee should be involved in the spending approval process before funds are allocated. This would allow for better transparency and prevent issues before they occur. Furthermore, we need a dedicated manager or staff member overseeing the allocation of these funds to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely, just as other cities have done. This proactive oversight would provide the accountability this initiative currently lacks.

The Burden on Low-Income Neighbors

Another point that hasn't been fully addressed is the impact this tax will have on our low-income neighbors. The staff report does not cite its sources and independent studies suggest that this type of use tax can hit low-income residents the hardest. More of their paycheck, compared to their more affluent neighbors, will go toward this tax and we must acknowledge that impact.

Risk of Budget Shifts

One of the key issues with Measure C is that it lacks a sunset clause, meaning it will continue indefinitely unless the community votes it out. This kind of open-ended measure can create challenges, especially if the city decides to make it a primary method for funding essential services like public safety. My concern is that this could lead to the city reducing or diverting funds that are currently allocated for safety in the main budget, using Measure C revenue instead. This approach would make our funding for public safety dependent on a fluctuating source, which is not a stable or sustainable solution. We need reliable, consistent funding to ensure the safety of our community, not a patchwork of measures that may shift over time.

A Litmus Test for the Future

This November 5th vote isn’t just about public safety—it’s a litmus test for how our community addresses critical issues. If the initiative doesn't pass, it may be seen as an argument that Gilroy’s residents don’t think public safety is a concern, which is simply untrue. We all want our families and businesses to be safe. This vote will reflect how much trust the community has in the city’s ability to manage these resources responsibly.

At $81,000, this election is more than just a cost—it’s an investment in our future. Let’s make sure that as we vote to support our first responders with Measure C, we also demand better accountability and transparency in the use of these funds. You can learn more about Measure C here: https://www.cityofgilroy.org/1050/Public-Safety-Sales-Tax-Ballot-Measure