Terrance Fugazzi – Candidate statement 2024
The day I made Gilroy home, I loved this community.
When my work brought me to Silicon Valley, I chose Gilroy, this culturally diverse, family-oriented city where my son could get a top-notch education in a safe community that provided our family with an excellent quality of life.
After serving on several city commissions, including the Open Government Commission, I learned many residents felt unheard. After much encouragement from community leaders and discussion with my wife, I was prompted to take the next step in my public service journey: represent Gilroy residents on the City Council.
Keeping our neighborhoods safe will always be my number one priority. That is why I am proud to have the support of Gilroy Police Officers. I am committed to investing in public safety and providing first responders with tools to work more efficiently. As your councilmember, I will support increasing public safety ranks while maintaining veterans who have faithfully served our community. I will also use data-driven strategies to find practical solutions to reduce emergency response times.
With per capita numbers nearly three times the next closest in Santa Clara County, Gilroy is dealing with a homeless epidemic. We must continue to explore solutions to this crisis while addressing its root causes. I will facilitate robust public-private partnerships with community stakeholders and nonprofits while investing in mental health and drug rehabilitation programs. While our unhoused deserve our compassion, their needs do not take priority over Gilroy residents who work, live, and learn in our community.
As a small business owner, I understand how to attract businesses to Gilroy. I will use my 30 years of experience to make Gilroy a business-friendly destination, expanding our tax base and creating new community job opportunities.
It has been an honor to represent you on the Open Government Commission. As your councilmember, I will continue to hold city government accountable while ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely and transparently.
Privileged to serve you, I would be proud to continue working with you to ensure every Gilroy resident has a voice and a seat at the table.