Hollister
– City Councilwoman Monica Johnson has assumed leadership of the
Monterey Bay division of the League of California Cities, which
includes 18 cities in Monterey, Santa Clara and San Benito
Counties.
Hollister – City Councilwoman Monica Johnson has assumed leadership of the Monterey Bay division of the League of California Cities, which includes 18 cities in Monterey, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties.
“She’s going to do very well,” Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia said. “I’m very proud of her.”
Johnson served as the region’s second vice president in 2006. With the first vice president taking a position with the state league, Johnson was next in line to assume the president’s spot for 2007, an appointment that was approved by city representatives in November.
Johnson said that in addition to formalities like signing the division’s letters, her duties as president will give her a key role in shaping the group’s priorities for the coming year.
One of the biggest benefits her presidency will bring to Hollister, Johnson said, is name recognition. She pointed out that whenever anyone receives a letter from the regional League of Cities, or attends one of the organization’s events, the first thing they’ll hear about is Hollister. Johnson said that will help bring the city and its needs to the attention of other businesses and governmental organizations.
“The more we can let people know about our region or area, especially Hollister, the better,” Johnson said.
She also hopes to bring one of the Monterey Bay division’s quarterly meetings – which rotate from city to city – to Hollister.
Overall, Johnson said the league is “all about local government’s needs” – it often helps coordinate local governments in lobbying the state. During the Nov. 7 election, the league was the largest political action committee to campaign against Proposition 90, which would have restricted governments’ ability to take ownership of private property; opponents of the proposition said it would have crippled local and state government.
Former Councilman Tony Bruscia – who was defeated by Johnson in the 2004 election – has also served as the league’s regional president.
“It’s far more than signing letters,” Bruscia said. “There’s a lot of things you can do.”
As an example of the League of Cities’ work, Bruscia said that during his time as president, the state league successfully lobbied the governor to stop cutting into city funding to help balance California’s budget.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity to give Hollister a better voice in Sacramento,” he said.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
