City of Gilroy City Council Councilmember Marie Blankley

First Elected: November 2018

Day Job: Certified public accountant, small business owner

Alma maters: Golden Gate University (master’s degree, taxation); Santa Clara University (bachelor’s degree, accounting)

Notable quote: “I’m running for mayor because I have the experience and background in business, accounting, and budgeting that we desperately need as we face one of the most challenging economic times in our city's history.” —Marie Blankely, MarieBlankely.com

Other offices held: Mayor pro tempore, City of Gilroy, 2019

Committee and board assignments:

• VTA Board (Valley Transportation Authority) as a representative of Gilroy and work also with CalTrain.


• Two terms on Gilroy’s Planning Commission, from 1992-1999. 


• Active member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce since 1994 and a past Board member. 


• Active in Gilroy Rotary, a service organization. Member since 1995 and a past Board member. 


• Current member and former President of the Gilroy Assistance League, an organization of 35 women who work tirelessly to raise money for Gilroy schools and youth programs. 


• Advisory Board Member to the Gilroy Foundation for years and now serving a second term as a Board Member. 


• Member of St. Mary Parish in Gilroy. Served as a lector at many Masses and currently sit on the Parish Finance Council. 


• Gilroy Gang Task Force since 1997.  Treasurer since 2014 and directly involved with efforts that have funded City of Gilroy Recreation, National Night Out, South Valley Middle School, Victory Outreach, Youth Alliance and the Gilroy Youth/Boxing Center at 6th & Railroad St.

SOURCE: Campaign website marieblankely.com