Fred Tovar – Candidate statement 2024
Dear Gilroy,
I am honored to have served as your council member for the past eight years and am eager to continue our collaborative efforts to build a stronger community. My public service journey spans over two decades, beginning with eight years on the GUSD School Board and four years on the Board of Trustees for the San Jose/Evergreen College District.
As your council member, I have championed initiatives that reflect our shared values, such as establishing Cesar Chavez Day as a city holiday, raising the pride flag, creating our downtown pop-up park, and improving downtown lighting. I remain committed to supporting local businesses, strengthening public schools, and revitalizing our downtown area. I will also continue advocating for prioritizing local contractors when the city does business.
Public safety remains my top priority. I will keep fighting for increased funding for police officers, school resource officers (SROs), and firefighters to ensure community safety, and I am committed to seeing a much-needed new fire station built. By fostering a business-friendly environment, I aim to create jobs and strengthen our local economy. Addressing the housing crisis and providing solutions for unhoused residents are critical issues I will continue to tackle by securing more resources and affordable housing options.
I am proud to be the only candidate endorsed by both the Gilroy Firefighters and Gilroy Police Associations, a testament to my dedication to public safety. I am also honored to have the support of GilPAC – the Gilroy Political Action Committee, the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, and the Nor-Cal Carpenters Local Union 405.
In addition to my public service, I have spent my entire career as an Administrator in higher education, working at renowned institutions like Stanford University, San Jose State, and currently serving as Director of Admissions at Santa Clara University.
I humbly ask for your vote to continue being your voice at City Hall. Together, we can ensure accountability and make meaningful progress for our community. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
Fred M. Tovar, M.Ed – Gilroy Councilmember