Gilman’s candidacy centered around three key issues. First and foremost, he aims to establish efficient procedures within the City Council, focusing on ethics guidelines and setting clear priorities. “We need to be working more efficiently,” he emphasizes, concerned with how the city has struggled to manage its internal processes.

The second pressing issue is the changing demographic of Ojai. Student population in the Ojai Unified School District has halved since 2000, and the city’s average age has increased by ten years over the last two census periods. At the same time, a significant number of people – roughly 2,500 – commute to work in Ojai daily but cannot afford to live here. To address these challenges, Gilman plans to ally with the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County to attract higher-paying jobs and explore affordable housing options for local families. He stresses that economic revitalization is essential for keeping families in Ojai and ensuring that the people who work in the city can afford to live here. The third priority Gilman highlights is fire preparedness. With memories of the devastating Thomas Fire still fresh, Gilman believes Ojai must take further steps to protect itself. He intends to work closely with the City Council to create clear safety protocols and improve coordination for emergency response efforts, ensuring that Ojai is better prepared for future fires.

When it comes to the city’s budget, Gilman is optimistic. Ojai’s $60 million budget includes a substantial reserve, which Gilman views as a unique opportunity. “We are in an awesome situation,” he states, noting that the surplus allows the city to invest in areas it values, such as environmentalism and safety, without financial strain. He acknowledges the importance of tourism, with the city’s transient occupancy tax contributing a significant portion of the budget, but stresses the need for careful management of the city’s tourism to avoid over-reliance on this income stream. Gilman is also a strong advocate for public participation. He envisions a more inclusive approach to decision-making, suggesting regular town halls and increased public comment time during City Council meetings. “I believe very much in a town hall model,” he says, hoping to create more opportunities for the community to engage with their local government.

As Gilman embarks on his term as mayor, his focus remains clear: bringing Ojai together, fostering collaboration within the City Council, and ensuring that the city is ready to face the challenges of the future. His candidacy represented a call for unity, a stand for Ojai, and there is now an incredible opportunity to see one person willing to transform Ojai into a safer, more equitable place for everyone.