Sewer moratorium, growth key issues in city council race
As the Nov. 6 election approaches, just two candidates are vying
for the Hollister District 2 City Council seat. Eugenia Sanchez is
challenging Mayor Robert Scattini and both candidates agree the
sewer moratorium is the biggest issue facing the city.
Sewer moratorium, growth key issues in city council race
As the Nov. 6 election approaches, just two candidates are vying for the Hollister District 2 City Council seat. Eugenia Sanchez is challenging Mayor Robert Scattini and both candidates agree the sewer moratorium is the biggest issue facing the city.
“The greatest challenge for us is regarding the sewer and water issues which threaten our financial stability and the future of the city,” Sanchez said. “Until those issues are dealt with successfully, Hollister can’t grow and the economic development is stagnant.
Scattini and his fellow council members recently voted to increase sewer rates a trifold in the next few years to cover the cost of a sewer plant that would meet state requirements and lift the ban on new sewer hookups, allowing new development. The city council felt a strong backlash from the community, outraged at the increased fees, but Scattini stands by his vote.
“It’s definitely the sewer moratorium,” Scattini said, when asked the most important issue facing the city. “It is crippling us and has been an issue since before I became a city council member.”
When the sewer moratorium is lifted, Scattini would focus efforts on increasing industrial jobs in Hollister as well as providing affordable housing for the city.
Sanchez said the city must revamp its housing cap so that it can better meet state and federal housing mandates.
“If we completely cap growth, this will compromise state and federal funding that the city will potentially receive,” Sanchez said. “One of the most important things for me is well-planned growth.”
Another issue for Hollister is meeting budget needs without using up more reserve funds. Measure R is one ballot measure that could help – it is a 1 percent sales tax increase for five years.
“Right now it is going to be a hard sell to the people of Hollister because of the water and sewer rates we just passed,” Scattini said. “It’s poor timing, but it’s a necessity and if we don’t get it we are in real deep trouble.”
Sanchez also supports Measure R.
“A 1 percent sales tax increase is a small price to pay for improved city services,” she said.
The candidates have spent plenty of time thinking about another local ballot item, Measure S – a change to zoning of 1,300 acres near the Hollister Airport that would allow for future development by Pulte Del Webb homes.
Scattini is strongly against the development and has been from the start.
“There are concerns about the safety aspect out at the airport,” he said. “It would put a crunch on the airport for future development. Going around the general plan [by putting it on the ballot] is not the way to do it.”
Sanchez has concerns about the project, but said voters should decide on it.
“If the community is supportive and votes in favor of this development, as a city council member I would support the decision of the voters,” Sanchez said. “I encourage voters to investigate both sides of the issue and make informed decisions.
Hollister voters can cast their vote for the city council candidates, Measure R and Measure S Nov. 7.
Name: Eugenia Sanchez
Age: 38
Job/Career: Elementary School Teacher
Relevant Experience: Serves as president of the Hollister School District, a board of director of Chamberlain’s Children Center, Leadership San Benito member and a gang task force member.
Reason for Running: To improve the quality of life in Hollister.
Most important Issue: Communication with constituents in Hollister
City’s Greatest Strength: The city’s diverse population, climate and proximity to educational, recreational and cultural activities.
City’s Greatest Challenge: The sewer and water issues, which have stagnated economic development.
Name: Robert Scattini, incumbent
Age: 66
Relevant experience: A 30-year member of the Chamber of Commerce, he has served on city council for 4 years. Served on numerous committees and as Vice-Mayor and Mayor.
Job/career: County marshal
Reason for running: To see the projects started in his first term completed.
Most important issue: The sewer moratorium because it is crippling the city.
City’s greatest strength: The location, which is close to Silicon and the Central valleys.
City’s greatest challenge: Ending the sewer moratorium
