The third time may be the charm for District Five Supervisor Bob
Cruz, who said Wednesday he is throwing his hat in the political
ring to run for a third term.
Cruz, who has served on the San Benito County Board of
Supervisors since he was elected in 1996, said he wants to continue
building on the work that he has accomplished during the past seven
years.
The third time may be the charm for District Five Supervisor Bob Cruz, who said Wednesday he is throwing his hat in the political ring to run for a third term.
Cruz, who has served on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors since he was elected in 1996, said he wants to continue building on the work that he has accomplished during the past seven years.
“Although there is still work to be done, I am very satisfied with my accomplishments in the past two terms,” Cruz said.
A long-time champion of causes concerning local youths, Cruz also serves as a member of the county’s Children and Family Commission.
“We received and distributed nearly $2 million in Propo-sition 10 funding for local children 5 years old and younger,” Cruz said.
His service on the CFC wasn’t Cruz’s first involvement with helping youths.
“In 1996, my primary concern was to provide a center for the youths of San Benito County,” Cruz said. “The local YMCA is a result of that effort.”
A lifelong resident, Cruz retired from his managerial position with Gilroy Foods in 1997 and gave up his position with the county planning commission so that he could focus his full attention to the business of the county.
A member of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), Cruz said he is a strong believer in cooperative government where agencies such as the City of Hollister works with county government to solve problems that effect both.
Cruz also said he believes in making the county’s funds go farther by cutting wasteful spending and not by laying off employees who provide needed public services.
“In spite of the budget constraints this year, the Board has been able to keep all county jobs,” Cruz said. “This has been done by our being frugal with the taxpayers’ money.”
Cruz, who says he is a strong advocate for controlled and responsible growth, said he is not going to rest on the laurels of his past accomplishments and has a renewed agenda if he is re-elected.
“My goals for the next four years include building a new county library, and I will focus on collaborating with the city for more affordable homes,” Cruz said. “I will continue to address growth issues and ensure responsible growth in our county.”
Cruz said he might be facing an opponent in the upcoming race for the Fifth District seat.
“But I’m ready, willing and able to face the challenge,” he said.
The incumbent supervisor still has to officially register for the March 2 election.
