Candidates’ Q&A #5 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 5: What is your vision for the future relationship between Gilroy Gardens and the City of Gilroy?

ANSWERS:

  • A5: Gilroy Gardens is part of the City of Gilroy. It is not only physically in the city, it is also 100% owned by the public and accountable to those whom the public elects. As part of an initiative adopted by the City Council in 2019 that Gilroy be a recreation destination, the City Council has solicited options for potential development on the underutilized land that was also purchased by the City when the theme park was acquired. To date, multiple proposals have been considered but none pursued. The City has a landlord/tenant relationship with a nonprofit organization to run the theme park. That relationship is documented in the form of a written lease.

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

  • A5: Our city hall and elected officials have taken a very hands off approach to Gilroy Gardens and this has been incredibly harmful. The city must aggressively seek out a private partner in order for Gilroy Gardens to live up to its full potential. We should maintain some authority and ownership in the partnership, in order to help determine the best path forward. I do not see our city, on its own, having the resources, vision or determination to get Gilroy Gardens to be better. 

    One of the first things I would do as Mayor is shake up the Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors. If you are trying to make the best of a horticulture themed amusement park, then there should at least be people on the board with horticulture and amusement park experience.

    Our tri-county area is home to the world's leading horticulture and vegetative research and development companies. There are also many ornamental nurseries as well as growers of retailed-based bedding and vegetable plants. Gilroy Gardens currently has zero partnership agreements or relationships with any type of horticulture based company. As mayor I would also encourage Gilroy Gardens to establish relationships with these types of companies in order to raise desperately needed dollars to get more out of the park and fully pay back the investment our city made there.

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

  • A5: I would like The city to have a more pro.Active role in the governance of Gilroy Gardens. I would also like us to look at the option of leasing it to the company that wanted to build a mountain bike park. I felt like that would have the least carbon footprint, as well as a lesser impact on the wildlife and land surrounding the park, and attract tourists at the same time.

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

  • A5: My vision for the future relationship between Gilroy Gardens and the City of Gilroy is one of mutual growth and collaboration. Gilroy Gardens is a unique asset that reflects our community’s agricultural roots and natural beauty, making it a valuable attraction. I believe the city should continue to support the park, exploring ways to enhance its educational and recreational offerings while promoting agritourism. Strengthening this relationship can further boost local tourism, create jobs, and ensure that Gilroy Gardens remains a cherished part of our city’s identity.

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

  • A5: Again, this is a tough one without many more facts and study. In a more broad  philosophy, I do not believe small cities, or maybe any city, should be in the  amusement park business. This site, and the land around it, Sharks Ice, and our downtown all together have great potential to lift the attraction of Gilroy as a place to visit. This would have a very positive economic benefit bringing in outside dollars and creating more local jobs. How that all comes together should be through private business with the support of our city government. 

    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