Congressman Sam Farr’s legislation to rename Pinnacles National
Monument to Pinnacles National Park will upgrade its status. Sam
has worked with the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce for many
years to accomplish this. It would increase tourism to our county,
and greatly improve our local economy.
BY TONY RUIZ
We must respectfully disagree with your editorial of August 11.
Congressman Sam Farr’s legislation to rename Pinnacles National Monument to Pinnacles National Park will upgrade its status. Sam has worked with the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce for many years to accomplish this. It would increase tourism to our county, and greatly improve our local economy.
If this endeavor has taken so long, blame the past administration and its park policies. Thankfully, the new administration is more adept at seeking long range opportunities to develop economic sustainability. Tourism and regional economic planning are vital to our county. And our congressman, Sam Farr, has recommended strategies to tap into potential tourism by linking us to tourism in the Monterey Bay Area.
Sam Farr picked a good time to introduce his bill. With a new national administration and the establishment of Fast Forward California, an independent group founded to stimulate the economies of local communities by promoting economic regions with collaborative potential, Farr’s timing is logical.
In fact, Congressman Farr has long implored us to collaborate more, build consensus, and seek his help. Our community has not always been good about seeking his help, but when we have done so Sam has been there for us. After the stimulus bill was passed, Congressman Farr brought 17 federal experts to a gathering of hundreds of local citizens to discuss criteria and procedures for funding. He has helped our local communities to obtain funding for numerous important projects over the years.
The Sam Farr we know has been very responsive and hardworking. He deserves our gratitude.
Tony Ruiz, former chair on behalf of the San Benito County Democratic Central Committee.
