Usually it’s the other way around.
But 71-year-old Peter Frusetta of Tres Pinos, who served six
years as a California state assembly member, may take a couple
steps down the political ladder and run for San Benito County
supervisor in two years.
Usually it’s the other way around.
But 71-year-old Peter Frusetta of Tres Pinos, who served six years as a California state assembly member, may take a couple steps down the political ladder and run for San Benito County supervisor in two years.
Frusetta, a lifetime rancher, said he’s fed up with county government. And if his health holds up for two years, he would run for District 4 supervisor, he said.
He an-nounced his intention as the county faces a severe budget shortfall and while a scandal unfolds surrounding the District 5 supervisor’s race and the local District Attorney’s Office. Frusetta believes county officials waste money and too often play politics.
“I’m very disturbed, upset and disgusted at what I read in the papers at what’s going on down there,” he said. “They’re all a bunch of dog-gone politicians. I’m mad at them. This county doesn’t deserve this kind of baloney.”
Although first-term Supervisor Reb Monaco holds the seat up for re-election in 2006, Frusetta declined to comment on the incumbent’s performance so far.
Monaco had previously heard of Frusetta’s intentions, he said. Monaco gained popularity among farmers, ranchers and the business community during his first 15 months on the job for his stance against the highly contentious Measure G.
He was the only of five supervisors to vote against the initiative in April 2003 before a signature campaign forced it to the March ballot, where it failed.
And with three new supervisors coming on board in January, Monaco could be in line to succeed Bob Cruz as board chairman in 2005.
“I don’t have much to say about people who want to run against me,” said Monaco, 59, previously a lifetime educator. “That’s the democratic process.”
Frusetta had no previous experience in politics before plunging into the fiery state capital scene in 1994. His 28th District included parts of San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Frusetta, who was termed out of assembly office in 2000, learned about “power politics” from that experience, he said.
Power politics, he said, is when elected officials work together in a “civil, open and ethical manner.”
“I’m not a politician,” Frusetta said. “I’m a businessman who did my duty to serve in the California state Legislature. I should be thinking about retirement, but I can’t. I will not do that. I love this county too much.”
As a supervisor, Frusetta said he would concentrate on improving the openness between county government and the public, along with reducing unnecessary spending, he said.
“I don’t see a damn voice in the wilderness crying out for relief and for what’s right and wrong here,” he said.
Kollin Kosmicki can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 331 or at
kk*******@fr***********.com
.
