Diana Sanchez Bentz for Gilroy City Council District 4

About

Diana Sanchez Bentz

During election periods, we are presented with a candidate’s sales pitch but not always the real person. My intention is to truly show you who I am.

I’ve lived in District 4 for 32 years and have been attending City Council meetings for over 20 years.

After years of attending City Council meetings, I’ve learned that the work is not always glamorous. There are hundreds of pages to read, residents to listen to, and plenty of long meetings and late nights. True dedication begins after an election is won, not during the campaign.

As a resident, I felt a personal responsibility to show up, engage, and understand how Gilroy is run. After 20 years of attending City Council meetings, civic involvement has become second nature to me.

My leadership style

Communication

I will host quarterly community meetings to keep residents informed, engaged, and directly updated on key decisions in Gilroy.

Transparency

Openness in city government requires direct access and clear answers, ensuring residents always know how decisions are made and where tax dollars go.

Integrity

Leading with accountability and strong ethics is essential. I will always make decisions rooted in honesty and the community's best interests.

Strategy

Diana Sanchez Bentz

I’m focused on three things: keeping city government open, being accessible when residents have questions, and making public safety a priority. I believe local government works best when residents know what is happening, can reach their elected officials, and feel safe in their neighborhoods.

I have often been frustrated when elected officials arrive unprepared for meetings. Agenda packets frequently exceed 300 pages, and as someone who has worked in the legal profession for nearly 40 years, I know reviewing them thoroughly can be a demanding task. However, making thoughtful, well-informed decisions for our community is far more important than being a flashy politician who votes without doing the work.

We should all hold our elected officials accountable when they arrive unprepared and fail to vote in our community’s best interests. So, what are the best interests of District 4? That is a question I continuously ask District 4 residents.

During my seven years on the Open Government Commission (OGC), I have always worked to provide Gilroy citizens with clear information and transparent access to government. Early on, I saw that the OGC could do a better job helping the city communicate with residents. I advocated for Zoom public access to meetings long before state mandates required them, and I continue to fight for expanded translation services. District 4 residents cannot fully participate in local government without these essential tools. I know this firsthand from meeting with 17 local organizations that requested these resources. That is what true representation looks like.

My goals as your District 4 representative

Addressing the unique challenges facing Alexander Station
Ensuring District 4 has a strong, effective voice at City Hall
Implementing practical solutions for our unhoused population
Upgrading critical infrastructure

(flooding, crosswalks and erosion)

I have long supported District 4 businesses as a loyal customer. As your council member, I will actively listen to our local small business owners and take concrete action to support their growth.

After years of attending City Council meetings, I understand the dynamics of seven people with different perspectives and agendas. As one of the seven, it is my intention to represent the entire city and address the issues that affect us all, including corporate development, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. We are only strong if the seven work together.

I am asking for your vote as a dedicated District 4 resident who has consistently done the work to understand our municipal government. I want District 4 residents to know that their concerns are being heard and brought directly to the council table.

WHY ME?

Why should you trust and choose me?

I’m a career paralegal with nearly 40 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility and confidentiality. Currently, I am assigned to the Office of General Counsel at a global law firm. I am a “forever Gilroy person”; I love this city and will continue to work hard to get it to live up to its potential.

Long history of giving

  • I’ve served as chair, vice chair, and member of the Open Government Commission
  • I currently serve on the Mt. Madonna YMCA Board
  • I am an active member and serve on the executive board of the After-Hours Rotary Club
  • I’ve served on the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury (2021)
Diana Sanchez Bentz
Diana Sanchez Bentz

Listen before leading

  • I will be accessible and responsive to District 4 residents
  • I have a thoughtful, practical, and nonpolitical approach to addressing the challenges facing the City
  • I will work together with District 4 residents to strengthen our community’s voice

Economic responsibility

  • Protect taxpayer dollars
  • Transparent budgeting and spending
  • Smart investments for long-term stability
  • Responsible financial planning
  • Support local businesses
Diana Sanchez Bentz
Diana Sanchez Bentz

Parks & quality of life

  • Maintain beautiful parks and public spaces
  • Preserve our community’s character
  • Support family-friendly events
  • Improve recreation opportunities for all ages

Public safety

I support emergency responders and will do what I can to keep neighborhoods safe for families and seniors.

Diana Sanchez Bentz

Volunteer

Display a sign

(Show your support at your home or local business)

Host a meet-and-greet

(Invite friends and neighbors over for a live discussion)

Walk a precinct

(Talk to voters face-to-face in District 4)

Hang banners

(Help build campaign visibility across our community)