gmhTODAY Winter 2023 | Page 19

The South County

People on the move in 2023

Her two biggest goals are to help keep the small-town feeling and restore the professionalism on the City Council .
Marilyn is currently the President of China Silicon Valley Association . promoting trade and collaboration between the two nations . She frequently travels to Mainland China for conferences as a key note speaker , panelist and government negotiator . Her experience includes non-profit management , entrepreneur startups , project management , political and business fund development .
She is a 45 year resident of Morgan Hill , a past board member and current member of the Morgan Hill Rotary , a board member of the Community Law Enforcement Foundation and the Morgan Hill Downtown Association .
Librers was sworn in by City Clerk Michelle Bigelow . Her remarks included a heartfelt thank you to her supporters , and a vow to represent the entire community . Outgoing councilmember John McKay commented that he felt very good knowing he was vacating his seat to make way for Librers .
Librers recalls the City developing a population cap and general plan that included controlled growth . Since then the state of California has deems that plan to be " not in the best interests of the State . Marylin asks the question , " Is it in the best interests of Morgan Hill ?" and vows to continue to speak out on the community ' s behalf regarding unrealistic state mandates concerning growth .
We are excited to see the impact Marilyn has on these and other issues facing Morgan Hill . Confident in her experience and qualifications , we wish her the very best in her new term on the dias .
Tom Cline : Gilroy Elects Cline to City Council

Business owner and long time Gilroyan Tom Cline was the top vote-getter in the November 8th election to Gilroy City Council . In addition to operating Cline Glass Contractors since 2011 , Tom has served as a board member and past president of the Gilroy Garlic Festival . He volunteers at his church , New Hope Community Church in Gilroy , where he and his family have attended for over 30 years .

Tom plans to address the divisiveness - real and perceived - that exists on the dias . He wants to tackle the tough problems the city faces like homelessness , job growth , creating more local well paying jobs , and improving the quality of life for all residents . Tom has the experience and knowledge to help the city address rising costs and iook for ways to increase revenue . He cites public safety as a top concern , and had the endorsements of the Gilroy Police and Fire Associations , and Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen .
During the campaign , Tom had allies on both side of the isle , garnering the support of fomer and current public officials , numerous local businesses and individuals . It is Tom ' s character , experience , and ability to have tough converations with respect and an open mind that will continue to serve him well in his new position as councilmember .
Tom served as president of the Garlic Festival during a very challenging two-year period for the organization . It was his willingness to step into the difficult role and lead through uncertain times after the 2019 festival incident that changed the course of the future for the organization and the community at-large .
Tom ' s volunteer efforts includes board seats with the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce , Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center , Gilpac , Gilroy Economic Development Partnership , and New Hope Community Church . He was recognized as as the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce 2021 Man of the Year .
Tom has served the community of Gilroy for over three decades . The community has benefitted from the impact he has made . In his new role , he hopes to make an even bigger impact and represent the entire community by making decisions for the long term growth , prosperity , fiscal strength , and safety of all residents .
Victoria Valencia : Gilroy Chamber Hires New CEO

Victoria Valencia has been named the new CEO of the Gilroy

Chamber of Commerce . A South County native , Victoria joined the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce staff in January 2019 as the community relations coordinator , managing marketing and events , and building relations with community partners .
Prior to working with the chamber , Victoria was the events coordinator at the Gilroy Lodge on the Hill . She also worked at the Mt . Madonna YMCA as a member services coordinator , and interned with Pebble Beach on their Special Events Management Team .
Victoria graduated from San Jose State University in 2016 with her degree in Hospitality , Tourism , and
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