The race for the Hollister District 2 city council seat presents
two candidates of distinctly different backgrounds and political
experience.
The race for the Hollister District 2 city council seat presents two candidates of distinctly different backgrounds and political experience.
Mayor Robert Scattini is firmly entrenched in Hollister politics. Eugenia Sanchez is a 38-year-old schoolteacher who already has put together an impressive resume of local public service and participation.
Critics of Scattini say he is a rooted in the old-boy network of Hollister. They believe it is time for a change. Critics of Sanchez say she is merely being propped up, groomed by a group as equally entrenched in Hollister politics as anyone supporting Scattini.
There probably are elements of truth and validity in both fields of vision. Regardless, we support Scattini in his bid to serve another term on the council.
Both candidates offer much. Scattini has experience. He has, at times, shown an ability to provide individual leadership in a local government desperately in need of such. He has voiced needed opinion on subjects others have not addressed, and has had the courage to voice unpopular views. Sanchez is intelligent, personable, and passionate about our community. If she does, in fact, possess a passion for local politics, she will make her mark.
Sanchez, however, has not stepped out to voice much in the way of strong opinion. Her campaign mantra has been one of “communication.” Of reaching out to the constituency and representing the voices of residents in her district. It is nice stuff.
Right now, Hollister doesn’t need nice stuff. Scattini has at times shown a sensitivity about wanting to be liked by everyone. But he has also stepped forth and made an effort at leading the way to events Hollister needs to set in motion.
Most obvious, of course, is the biker rally. Hollister attempted to stick its head in the sand regarding the rally this year, and still ended up losing a lot of money. We have often endorsed the need for Hollister to organize a professionally managed rally that will benefit the city and embrace, without embarrassment or reticence, one of the most effective marketing slogans that ever fell into the lap of a small city – The Birthplace of the American Biker.
Scattini took it upon himself to get the city wheels grinding into motion regarding the rally. He deserves a chance to a least attempt to get it done. He also voiced strong support for Measure R – from the start – and condemnation of Measure S – also from the start. Should he win another term, we urge Scattini to be less of a nice guy and exhibit more of the leadership tendency he has been willing to take on as of late. Hollister needs it. Right now.
