Salinas, Sand City, Seaside

• SALINAS

While we have deep respect and admiration for Maria Giuriato for her lifetime dedication to local government on boards, committees, and the City Council, we think Donohue comes to the table better prepared. We are excited about the prospect of a thriving Salinas under his specific plans.

He’s rock-solid in his ideas to boost economic development by bringing in new businesses, and shoring up safety citywide. Donohue gets that without addressing safety first, businesses, shoppers and their tax dollars won’t make it to town—leaving Salinas exactly where it was before Measure V’s dollars rescued the city from economic collapse.

Giuriato says Donohue lacks the experience to lead Salinas. We disagree. Donohue has decades of public service and governmental experience through places like Second Chance Youth, the Planning Commission, the California Library Association, the Salinas Affirmative Action Commission, the Salinas Citizens’ Review Committee for the General Plan, the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, and a plethora of other boards and committees.

Donohue, a Salinas-educated businessman, is the president of European Vegetable Specialties. He has garnered support from the ag and business communities. Environmentalists also back him.

We believe Donohue is up to the task of integrating business with residents to make Salinas the better place he envisions—a city that embraces business, arts, culture, and youth empowerment through recreation.