Candidates’ Q&A #2 of 6

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In an effort to keep Gilroy voters informed, GGS has invited the 2024 candidates for Mayor and City Council to answer a series of questions on quality-of-life issues. Thank you all who participated, for your willingness to share your thoughts with our community!

QUESTION 2: What is your knowledge of Gilroy’s Agricultural Mitigation Policy? 

ANSWERS:

  • A2: Gilroy’s Ag mitigation policy is to replace farmland that is to be developed with an equal amount of farmland somewhere else to be preserved. For example, to prepare for Sharks Ice Gilroy to develop a portion of our Sports Park, the City of Gilroy had to purchase a comparable piece of farmland to be held in conservation.

    For more info from this candidate, visit: https://marieblankley.com/

  • A2: It’s a policy that requires developers to offset developed ag. land by preserving an equal amount of farmland elsewhere in our area. By doing so, the policy is intended to be sure that ag. land, that is lost to development, is matched with ag lands that can be conserved and maintained for farming.

    For more info from this candidate, visit: https://www.gregbozzo4mayor.com/

  • A2: Gilroy’s AMP needs to be updated. I believe it has issues that need to be addressed as it is biased towards developers, in a way that allows for the “fox guarding the hen house” in a number of ways, including that it allows the developers to contract the consultants to evaluate the land for ag viability.

    For more info from this candidate, visit: https://www.rebeca4gilroy.com/

  • A2: Gilroy’s Agricultural Mitigation Policy, revised in 2016, focuses on preserving farmland as development occurs. For every acre of farmland converted to urban use, an equal amount must be protected, particularly land classified as "Prime" or "Statewide Importance." This policy safeguards Gilroy’s agricultural economy and rural character through easements and buffers.

    I fully support the policy because it maintains our agricultural roots, promotes responsible growth within city limits, and encourages opportunities like agritourism. While developers face higher costs and limited expansion, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile.

    For more info from this candidate, visit: https://www.stefanie4council.com/

  • A2: I have read it. I have also lived in and near a number of areas of the state (San  Fernando Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Moorpark, etc.) where population growth and job growth ultimately meant farm lands had to be acquired and developed. But farms still exist in these areas. Some places in the state have managed this better than others. The market, the needs of the residents, growing population (housing,  jobs, etc.) and the will of the people will ultimately define what the best use for the land is and the land owners should then be able to decide if they would rather farm it or sell it. Managing this growth while still maintaining the DNA of a city or region and maintaining a balance is the part where the hard work must be done.

    For more info from this candidate, visit: https://fugazzi.com/

Candidate ZACH HILTON responded, declining the invitation. Candidates KELLY RAMIREZ and FRED TOVAR did not respond.

QUESTION 1 | QUESTION 2 | QUESTION 3 | QUESTION 4 | QUESTION 5 | QUESTION 6