Names in the News: Rebeca Armendariz

Editor's Note: Election day is fast approaching and to give our readers a better look at the candidates who’ve thrown their hats in the campaign ring, Patch will be interviewing each one about what issues are most important to them, who’s their fiercest competition and what experience they bring to the table. Here's the newest installment of Names in the News, featuring Gilroy City Council Candidate Rebeca Armendáriz.

Armendáriz, 37, has worked for SEIU Local 521 for the past eight year. She and her husband Ruben have five children. 

Why did you decide to run for city council?
My family is deeply rooted in Gilroy, arriving here in the  late 1930s.  I have chosen to raise my own children here because I love Gilroy, the people, the schools and our beautiful environment. Over the years I have seen Gilroy grow into a small town with big potential. 

We have the potential to create great jobs that can sustain a higher quality of life for our residents and families. We have the potential to make all of our schools into "Distinguished Schools" and we have the potential to maintain and protect our beautiful open spaces, parks, waterways and foothills, while encouraging the well-planned development of safe neighborhoods and a favorable climate for business opportunities.

I want to represent my community and be part of the kind of leadership that guides Gilroy along a path of opportunity, security and civic pride. 

What would you like to accomplish on the council if elected?
If I am elected I would like to see the city create training and career opportunities for our youth through partnerships with local businesses, trade unions and the schools. The high speed rail is set to build a station here and create lots of jobs and business opportunities. We need to help our residents prepare for the impacts, both positive and negative.

What are some things you would like voters to know about you?
I would like Gilroyans to know I am a hard working and compassionate person and I am committed to this community.  

What experience makes you a good candidate for council?
I have lived and worked in Gilroy, as a volunteer and advocate my whole life. I have served on both the Parks and Recreation Commission and Citizens Advisory Commission for the Community Development Block Grants, which gave me knowledge of the amazing services and resources our local non-profits provide. I have also been a community advocate and activist since I was an adolescent, which has given me a deep appreciation for the underserved and underrepresented members of our community, students to seniors, and the hard work it takes to ensure we all have an equal say in our community.

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