Residents can get a first-hand look at local candidates on the
Nov. 2 ballot at three upcoming public forums, two in Hollister and
one in San Juan Bautista.
Hollister – Residents can get a first-hand look at local candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot at three upcoming public forums, two in Hollister and one in San Juan Bautista.
The first candidates forum takes place Wednesday at the San Juan Bautista Community Center from 7–8pm. Eight candidates will participate, including those running for county supervisor, San Juan City Council, San Juan city clerk and Aromas Unified School District board.
Candidates will have a five-minute period to talk about themselves and answer questions, according to Halina Kleinsmith, executive director of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the forum.
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and the Farm Bureau are hosting the second and third forums, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, at the Hollister City Hall Chambers from 7–9pm. Each night will feature candidates from different races.
On Oct. 19, candidates running for U.S. Congress, state Assembly and three water district boards will be allowed brief opening remarks before answering questions. There won’t be any type of debating.
On Oct. 20, candidates running for the county Board of Supervisors, the Hollister City Council and several school boards will appear under the same format. Because of time constraints, school board candidates will be allowed only two minutes to make remarks, according to Chamber Executive Director Theresa Kiernan.
Kiernan said she won’t know who among candidates will take part until later this week. There’s no charge for residents attending the forums.
“We’re hoping it’ll be a pretty strong attendance,” Kiernan said. “You’ve got some pretty good races going on out there.”
The two candidates running for the last undecided supervisor seat in District 2, Anthony Botelho and Anthony Freitas, plan to attend both chambers’ forums.
Botelho believes issues surrounding growth, job development and water will dominate the forums.
“I hope to accomplish getting a strong, positive message to the voters, that I’m going to be part of the solution for the future of San Benito County,” Botelho said.
Freitas thinks growth, roads and a proposed casino will find their ways to the discussion.
“I’m happy we’re starting to finally come to the end of this election, because it’s been a long, grueling election,” Freitas said.
Kiernan said everyone’s invited.
“Hopefully if you haven’t decided yet, you’ll be able to make a better decision,” Kiernan said.
Kollin Kosmicki covers politics for the Free Lance. Reach him at 637-5566, ext. 331 or
kk*******@fr***********.com
.
