Reading “Velazquez plans to rerun for supe seat” (Hollister Free Lance, July 31) overjoyed me. The article reassured me that courageous people still exist!
Because of one brave person, democracy can still function. It takes extraordinary dedication to the common good to face extreme hostility with determination and guts to continue to want to serve the city one loves.
Seldom do qualified people persist in the face of hostility. Velazquez, serving as mayor, saved the city from debt and plans to serve as supervisor in the same experienced capacity. “Being a thorn in the side” of “recall” people means that he authentically functions for our community.
Velazquez recognizes the need to slow down this too-rapid growth that wears out roads and bulges school rooms. He functions with experience.
“Recall” people oppose experience. Intent on chaos, they plan to recall another duly elected supervisor. “Recall” people misuse choice by the people. They make money talk. Money can influence others, especially when profit is involved.
The citizenry moving here from San Jose currently expands our city. Unbelievably, they are the ones wanting to slow down growth. In other words, they fled congestion and traffic to sell there and buy here.
Their eyes see Hollister as previous San Jose, as San Jose existed before the transistor. The only answer seems to be to slow down and figure this out so life works for everyone.
The answer is not chaos, inexperience, confusion and greed but to slow down. Those previously from San Jose, now as Hollister residents, completely understand this situation. Residents acutely realize that experience and unusual dedication to others in the face of extreme hostility is required.
Velazquez demonstrates rare courage seldom seen in our society. His value is priceless. The common good requires his reinstatement and relentless support.
Mary Zanger
Hollister
