Water, economy two top issues for council candidates
As the Nov. 6 election nears, two seats are open to candidates
in San Juan Bautista. Voters have a field of five candidates to
choose from with varying degrees of experience and different
reasons for running.
Water, economy two top issues for council candidates
As the Nov. 6 election nears, two seats are open to candidates in San Juan Bautista. Voters have a field of five candidates to choose from with varying degrees of experience and different reasons for running.
Many of the candidates, including incumbents Priscilla Hill and Charles “Chuck” Geiger, cited completing the San Juan water project and revitalizing the economy as top issues facing the city.
“I want to see the clean water grant project completed,” Hill said. “We’ve already started work on it.”
However, fellow incumbent Geiger believes the project is far from a sure bet.
“The big problem is the cash flow. We don’t have it,” he said. “The water district has it. San Juan is going to have to go out and borrow $5 million just to start it.”
Other candidates Jim Pereyra and Robert Paradice also cited the water project as a reason they are running for city council.
“The council, and I believe in great part [due] to Councilwoman Hill, has been unable to reach an acceptable joint agreement with the San Benito County Water District,” Pereyra said.
A grant from the EDA originally was awarded to the city of San Juan Bautista and the county water district jointly.
“It worries me, that water, and I drink that water,” Paradice said. “I want to make sure we can get the best water deal we can for the price.”
While other infrastructure projects, such as road improvements, were cited as key, most candidates focused on revitalizing the economy as a way to support those improvements.
A former council member in the late ’80s, Paradice understands that city budgets do not always meet the needs of the community.
“The budget is predicated on a million or so dollars. It never goes up or down,” he said. “But costs went up. Even to run city trucks the cost is triple what it used to be.”
One way Paradice sees to bring more money into town is to increase the tourist base.
Pereyra agreed San Juan has to focus on better marketing the historical Mission City.
“Why not promote San Juan Days?” he asked. “It is not being marketed for what it is. We need to get bodies in and help our economy.”
Geiger cited the city’s move toward collecting money for traffic violations as one way to increase revenues for the city, but also stated the importance of such groups as the Cultural Resource Board in helping to plan street fairs that will bring in money.
“We are considering an amphitheater with hotel accommodations,” Geiger said. “And maybe some kind of timeshare housing would allow people to visit and spend their money without staying forever.”
Hill agreed that development projects were one way to increase revenues, but had other ideas as well.
“If we can get the people in town with their retail sales with sales tax, it comes to the city and helps the city,” she said.
Candidate Jeff Bagley did not return requests for an interview.
Name:, Charles “Chuck” Geiger, incumbent
Age: 50
Relevant experience: He was vice president of the Salinas Union High School teacher’s union. He has multiple degrees and a strong background in technology.
Job/career: Educator
Reason for running: To keep the city moving in the right direction.
Most important issue: The infrastructure, or clean water project.
City’s greatest strength: The state park, mission and the historical district that should be used to build up business opportunities.
City’s greatest challenge: Moving forward with good leadership and advertising the city’s assets.
Name: Priscilla J. Hill, incumbent
Age: 69
Relevant experience: 16 years on the council, she is also a business owner and a residence owner.
Job/career: Self-employed, bookkeeping and tax returns
Reason for running: Wants to see the clean water grant project completed and to revitalize the economy.
Most important issue: Economic development
City’s greatest strength: As a small community, people are willing to help each other out and work together.
City’s greatest challenge: Highway 156 and the clean water grant project
Name: Robert Paradice
Age: 68
Relevant experience: Former city council member for five years, has always had an interest in politics.
Job/career: Retired, worked in security and agriculture.
Reason for running: Wants to make sure the city gets the best water deal for the price.
Most important issue: To settle the water project, then focus on other infrastructure.
City’s greatest strength: The long history of the city.
City’s greatest challenge: Apathy and division in the city – there needs to be more unity and more community involvement.
Name: Jim Pereyra
Age: 61
Relevant experience: Has worked behind the scenes for 8-10 years, specifically with Councilman Chuck Geiger in drafting resolutions and documents.
Job/career: Private business owner involved in safety training and a former educator
Reason for running: Constituents asked him to challenge Priscilla Hill.
Most important issue: Infrastructure, specifically the water project and financial accountability.
City’s greatest strength: With cooperation, the city could market the historical park and events.
City’s greatest challenge: Getting the infighting on the council to stop and getting grant money for the water project.
Jeff Bagley, a public works employee for San Juan, did not return requests for an interview.
