This is an election year and Salinas Mayoral candidates, Maria Giuriato and Dennis Donohue, visited Mr. Pizarro’s AP Government classes to encourage students to vote.

Maria Giuriato was the first candidate to come to talk to the AP classes on February 6th of 2006. Maria Giuriato was born in Castroville. She has been involved with politics for fourteen years, from working four years as part of the city council until finally she felt that it was time to finally run for Mayor of Salinas.

Giuriato decided to run for mayor in an effort to create a stronger Salinas. If she were to win she already has a list of recreational programs that she wants to see happen. These programs include Youth Built and a mentorship program. Youth Built is a program designed to have students help in building houses for people in need. Also, she wants to create a strong economic strategy. In an effort to create a strong economic strategy, she gives out and solicits to other cities and tries to get them to invest in Salinas.



She visited Mr. Pizarro’s classes not only to encourage the students to vote, but also get feed back from them. According to Giuriato, it is important to have students who are eighteen or about to turn eighteen to register to vote.

Dennis Donohue followed on February 9th and talked to the students as well. Donohue’s dad was Recreational programs leader, and feels that he has a strong community service record. Among Donohue’s experience is his knowledge in business. Donohue has his own agriculture business, hence feels that as mayor it is important to increase business in Salinas and that he will be able to attract more business for Salinas.

“I think that it was nice of both candidates to take time off their busy schedule to come and talk to the students”, said Mr. Pizarro

Students felt that it was a good experience “After they came I decided to register to vote”, said Megan Araujo, a student present in the presentation of both candidates. Meanwhile, Sergio Zarate said, “I could relate more with Maria Giuriato than Dennis Donohue”.

A mayor’s tasks include attending meetings, working with the county and holding office hours, to improve the city.

Elections will take place in November, and people can now register to vote via mail, post office, or the DMV, and make sure to register by the end of September.