Dear Editor:
How could a group of four individuals assume they are better suited to determine the future of San Benito County than the populace they purport to support?
Maybe it’s because they take their title of “supervisor” way too seriously. The “no growth” measure adopted by this Board, without a vote of the county’s residents, can only be construed as myopic.
By denying the people of San Benito County the right to decide their own future, the “Board of Four” has created what amounts to a dictatorship. This can be negated by a major effort from the people of San Benito County to originate what is called a referendum. This, hopefully, will overturn the Board of Four’s arbitrary decision and allow the no-growth measure to go to a vote of the populace.
Fortunately, the people who built this county have rallied behind this effort and if democracy still exists, the measure will be on the March 4 ballot for all San Benito County voters to decide.
Even with this immanent success, it cannot excuse the arrogance and self-serving attitude of the Board. Why the Big 4 think they know what is best for this county remains a mystery, especially to the hundreds that were present at the meeting and heard the vote on that fateful Tuesday. Maybe some in-depth investigation into their own personal interests could reveal some clues.
The issue of no growth vs. planned growth vs. explosive growth is not the concern at this stage. What is at stake is our right to decide this most important issue for ourselves and not be bound by the superfluous demands of our so-called representatives of the people, who call themselves a Board of Supervisors. Unfortunately for the county, these individuals have chosen to take their title literally.
On a personal note, I’d like to say that I have no financial interest in this no growth-rezoning measure. In fact, as a long-time resident of Ridgemark, you could assume that the status quo would be in my best interest. This may or may not be the case, but until I’m given the opportunity to understand this measure and cast my vote, I cannot tolerate the action by The Big Four, a.k.a. Supervisors, which have revoked my right to be heard on this issue.
I did not have an opportunity to vote for any of these individuals and I’m proud to say I don’t know any of them.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate my county representative and supervisor, Reb Monaco, who singularly opposed The Board of Four with his motion to have this measure put on the ballot, which is all any conscientious voter in San Benito County could ask for.
David Edrington
Hollister
