After more than a year of turmoil at the top of the county
government, the Board of Supervisors has hired a new county
administrative officer, and we welcome a chance to bring stability
to a position that will be key to our future.
After more than a year of turmoil at the top of the county government, the Board of Supervisors has hired a new county administrative officer, and we welcome a chance to bring stability to a position that will be key to our future.
Susan Thompson will take the San Benito County’s top job on July 7. It’s a relief to have someone in the post that has seen three administrative officers and a series of interim CAOs in the last year.
Now, the county has a chance to make a fresh start with Thompson, who currently is Fresno County’s Deputy Director of Behavioral Health – great experience for our dysfunctional political scene – and has served as that county’s deputy county administrative officer.
This will certainly be a tough job for Thompson to tackle. San Benito County’s political atmosphere is as acrimonious as it comes and it will take a strong leader to steer our ship in a positive direction. But there are early indications that Thompson, who says she has no preconceived notions about the job, will bring the right attitude.
“I really feel it’s important to be open to building a community through collaboration, making sure we have as much dialogue as we can,” she told Free Lance reporter Luke Roney.
That certainly is a good approach. San Benito County needs a leader who will close the wounds opened by the fight over the Measure G growth control measure and the on-going political turmoil that has resulted. We urge Thompson to be wary of the pitfalls that can ensnare those involved in local politics. Listen to all sides, but don’t let one side convince you the other is the enemy. That’s the only way to move forward.
There are other issues that will require immediate attention from our new CAO:
n Economic development. The fight over the Miwok casino highlighted the strong desire for jobs in our community. We need a leader who will work with the Economic Development Corporation to drive a focused plan to promote tourism and draw businesses and jobs to San Benito County
n A General Plan update. Divisions over development continues to be an issue that is best addressed through a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s long-term blueprint for growth
n Stability. San Benito County government has been sorely lacking continuity in its top job. We hope Thompson, who plans to move to the area, sticks around and brings steady leadership to the county for years to come.
It’s big job, and a tall order. But with the backing of the current Board of Supervisors, we have faith the new CAO will be able to tackle and resolve some of the most vexing problems facing our county.
Welcome Ms. Thompson, and good luck.
