It’s Botelho vs. Freitas and De La Cruz vs. Cruz in two
races
The race is on for the two open supervisor seats in San Benito County, and the names on the June 3 ballot should look familiar to voters who turned out or paid attention in 2004.
The deadline for turning in nomination papers was last Friday, except for District 1 candidates who have until Wednesday because of a state law that allows the extension when an incumbent is not running.
Two familiar faces will face off again in District 2, Anthony Botelho and Anthony Freitas. Four years ago the two went head to head for the same position, and Botelho won with about 59 percent of the vote. In District 5, incumbent Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz and retired elementary teacher Marian Cruz will run against each other. Cruz is the wife of former Supervisor Bob Cruz, whom De La Cruz defeated by 10 votes in 2004.
District 2: The sequel
Growth for the county, job creation, protection and transportation policies are some of Botelho’s main concerns, he said. Botelho said he wants the county to remain an attractive place and live and maintain its real character.
“I believe I have accomplished a lot for this county,” Botelho said. “It has been a very rewarding experience.”
He added: “I’m proud of what I’ve done for my district and county in the last 3-1/2 years,” he said.
Freitas has a deep desire to be a successful supervisor, he said. He decided to run for the open position after a few people asked him about it. He talked it over with family, and they agreed he should, he said.
“Education is the most important thing,” he said.
Freitas believes the more education that students receive, the more jobs there will be available, he said. He contended he would have been a good supervisor if elected four years ago and he plans to do the same this time around, he said.
“I believe in children and education,” he said.
District 5: familiar names, different foes
De La Cruz’s main concerns are to build the economy, have affordable housing, protect families and create jobs, he said. De La Cruz said he is asking the people to re-hire him for another four years.
“They (the people) are my boss,” he said.
Marian Cruz, meanwhile, has been on the Hollister City Council and many other boards. Cruz said her main objective is to address residents concerns when they have them, she said.
Cruz said she wants people to feel as if they have a voice.
“You talk, and I’ll listen,” Cruz said, referring to her motto.
Margie Barrios is the only candidate for District 1, as of last Friday. She has been in leadership positions for four years and has been on the Hollister School District Board of Trustees for almost 20 years.
The Candidates
District 2
Anthony Botelho (incumbent)
Anthony Freitas
District 5
Jaime De La Cruz (incumbent)
Marian Cruz
