☆ Lifelong Democrat sees abandonment of principles in SCC Dems' recent ousting of moderate candidates
Fred Tovar, Gilroy councilmember since 2016, was one of several longtime Democrats recently un-endorsed by the local Dem Party — for backing nonpartisan SCC supervisor candidate Johnny Khamis and Republican Gilroy councilmember Dion Bracco. Below, Tovar speaks with Opp Now about this troubling mission drift in the Dem Party, and how collaboration must trump polarization in local political movements. An Opp Now exclusive.
Opportunity Now: Your endorsement was just revoked by the Democratic Party for supporting non-Democrat candidates in local elections. You, like others ex-communicated such as Swanee Edwards, strongly disagree with this decision, and you even wrote to the SCC Democratic Party to request they re-award your endorsement.
Overall, what is your response to this strange, and altogether unexpected, event?
Fred Tovar: Sadly, I think that what happened here is a reflection of the polarization that is occurring in politics, not just here but across the country. It is unfortunate and unnecessary. This type of divisiveness is dangerous and concerning because it keeps constructive conversations about important issues from happening. When problems aren't addressed, they get worse, and everyone suffers as a result.
ON: What do you think it says about SCC Democrats that they’re being this strict about recommending others outside of the party line?
FT: As a lifelong Democrat, this disturbs me. Unfortunately, I feel the SCC Democrats have chosen to focus their attention on a short-term political agenda and have put that ahead of the longstanding principles of the party. It is that shift in focus that is causing the unbalanced approach they are taking now toward elected officials like me.
I've spent my whole career working to promote programs and adopt policies that align with the democratic principles I grew up with. As a public servant, I have devoted my time in office to fighting for diversity, and equity for the marginalized, to give everyone a voice and the same opportunities to succeed and achieve their dreams. If this type of work and effort is no longer valued by the SCC Democrats, then I think that is a shame, and I hope that they re-evaluate their position soon.
ON: What next? How do you plan to move forward with the Democratic Party, if at all, considering these exorbitant pressures to conform to a predetermined image?
FT: I pride myself in my ability to work with everyone, even those who have spoken out against me or levied unjust accusations. I will not compromise my principles in the face of adversity but, rather, stay true to them. My focus will remain on bringing people together to find solutions that will benefit this community. I'm honored to have championed recognizing and displaying the Pride Flag for the first time in the history of the city, and currently championing recognizing and celebrating Cesar Chavez Day as a citywide holiday that will be voted on by city council on November 7th.
It's all about collaboration, not control. As I have stated before, I believe we are stronger together.
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This article is part of an exclusive Opp Now series on the SCC Democrat Party oustings:
Recently un-endorsed Gilroy councilmember Fred Tovar speaks with Opp Now about troubling mission drift in the local Dem Party.
Ex-Democrat Swanee Edwards unpacks the SCC Dem Party’s recent hypocritical actions.
Swanee Edwards breaks down how Dems’ codependent relationship with unions breeds anti-Khamis apprehension.
Swanee Edwards explains how financial inequalities have shifted the focus of local election campaigns.
Swanee Edwards analyzes the Gilroy City Council’s “dysfunctional” ways of operating, and how oversensitive political correctness is destroying local politics.