Breaking News: Marie Blankley will seek re-election as Gilroy mayor

She says the city is continually challenged with attempts to replace local control with statewide mandates

Press Release sent to Gilroy Life on July 20, 2023

From: Mayor Marie Blankley, CPA

Marie Blankley

At this time of significant accomplishments for our city despite the setbacks of the pandemic, I am proud to announce that I will seek re-election in 2024 as Mayor of Gilroy.

Thanks to overwhelming support in 2020, I have been able to lead Gilroy through the challenges of the pandemic, to foster an executive team of city staff built from near scratch, to address our failing streets with a 5-year maintenance plan, to work with an athletic giant to add an ice facility to the Gilroy Sports Park and a magnet for future expansion, and to see through the investment of over $6.5 million in infrastructure improvements downtown, including the soon-to-be constructed pedestrian alleys on both the east and west sides of Monterey Street. I have fiercely advocated for viable public transportation services that make sense for more commuters to use, and in September Gilroy will see the addition of a 4th weekday commuter train.

With so much going and still to see through for the town that I love, I’m excited for this next term. Through my monthly Spotlight newsletter and in-person Coffee events, I’ll continue to provide venues that welcome community input and show that the issues we face are handled with transparency and fairness to all. I’m proud to bring crucial fiscal oversight to council leadership with my expertise of over 35 years as a CPA. With the recently approved budget, our accomplishments on my watch will continue to soar without breaking the bank.

We are continually challenged with attempts to replace local control with statewide mandates. Protecting our quality of life here in Gilroy and our ability to support city services commensurate with growth will always come first for me.

Gilroy has been my home since birth. Help me continue to make our home the best it can be.

Editor’s note: As of July 20, Gilroy Life is not aware of any residents running for city council or mayor in the 2024 election. If you plan to run as a candidate, please email editor Robert Airoldi at [email protected]