Candidates’ Q&A #4 of 6

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 4: The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have developed a long-range plan for the nine Bay Area counties called Plan Bay Area 2050. Two of their seven transportation funding strategies are to increase toll roads and to charge drivers for vehicle miles traveled (this option would be implemented only if the state eliminates the current gas tax). How do you feel about these options and how would they impact Gilroy residents?

ANSWERS:

• MARIE BLANKLEY (for Mayor)

  A4: Job growth in our community is far below that of housing growth, and Gilroy residents do not have access to viable and meaningful public transit options. Consequently, most of our residents must drive a vehicle to get to their jobs and should not be further burdened, financially or otherwise, for what they’re forced to do in order to support their families. Until MTC, ABAG, and the State recognize the need for balance between housing, jobs and transportation in EVERY community, their strategies will only further burden and weigh heavier on the people of more rural communities.

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

• GREG BOZZO (for Mayor)

  A4: Hard to imagine the state gives up a source of revenue. 
  
  These types of transportation solutions may be applicable to areas with higher populations and densities. Hard to imagine these intended benefits of Bay Area 2050 would reach any community located at the furthest ends of Solano, Napa, Sonoma Marin and San Mateo Counties. Same with us, here in Gilroy, at the southern part of Santa Clara County.

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

• REBECA ARMENDARIZ (for Council)

  A4: I don't like regressive taxes because they disproportionately impact service workers and low income people who don't have the option to use public transportation due to the nature of their work, which includes many of Gilroy’s commuters, given we have a service sector heavy workforce. However, we need to take measures like this to get more cars off the road and into public transportation, if its viable. I hope we find a way to give blue-collar workers and service workers discounts or exemptions.

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

• STEFANIE ELLE (for Council))

  A4: In my recent op-ed, I made it clear that I oppose both the increase in toll roads and the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charges as proposed by Plan Bay Area 2050. These strategies would disproportionately impact low-income and rural communities like Gilroy. VMT charges, in particular, would penalize residents who rely on driving long distances due to the lack of public transportation options. I believe these proposals are regressive and would place an unnecessary financial burden on our community, especially those who are already struggling with high costs.

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

• TERENCE FUGAZZI (for Council)

  A4: Gilroy should fight hard many of these (kinds of) proposals for a myriad of reasons, not just vmt or tolls. Our city, and how most of our residents desire to live, are generally “Bay Area” in name only. This is the way it has always been for Gilroy.  

  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

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