Today is the first day potential candidates for three open seats
on the Hollister City Council can pull nomination papers for the
Nov. 2 election.
Today is the first day potential candidates for three open seats on the Hollister City Council can pull nomination papers for the Nov. 2 election.
Candidates in districts 1, 4 and 5 then have until Aug. 6 to turn in the appropriate documents, along with at least 20 signatures from registered voters in their district. If an incumbent doesn’t run, candidates in that district would get a five-day extension beyond Aug. 6.
The open seats are currently occupied by Mayor Tony Bruscia, Councilman Tony LoBue and Councilman Brian Conroy. All three men are completing their first terms.
LoBue is the only one of the three who has committed to running again. While Conroy won’t be vying for reelection, and Bruscia on Friday said he’ll probably decide within a week.
In LoBue’s District 4, nobody has publicly committed to challenging the walnut farmer and businessman. LoBue, who will turn 30 in a few weeks, said he has secured many endorsements already.
“I’m just looking forward to a good, clean campaign,” LoBue said.
In Bruscia’s District 5, nurse Monica Johnson plans to run – she rode on a float during the Saddle Horse Show Parade declaring her candidacy. And in Conroy’s District 1, fireman Brad Pike plans to run. Pike has been in the spotlight for his leadership in the Highway 25 safety campaign.
Bruscia, a 35-year-old insurance broker, said he has to weigh his priorities – such as an upcoming marriage and his job. If he can’t fully commit himself to the city, he won’t run, he said.
“One of the things that makes it tough to walk away, is that there’s one hell of a learning curve,” Bruscia said, adding the city’s current problems would command a “daunting task” from a rookie council member.
Deputy City Clerk Geri Johnson oversees Hollister’s election process. She has received several calls from potential candidates, but she won’t disclose names unless they pull nomination papers, she said.
Whoever does run doesn’t have to pay any kind of filing fees, she said. Candidates can choose to submit a “candidate’s statement” that would appear on sample ballots, she said, the cost, however, is $450.
District 1
Incumbent: Brian Conroy
Terms: 1
Status: not running for reelection
Announced candidacy: Brad Pike
District 4
Incumbent: Tony LoBue
Terms: 1
Status: recently announced his intention to run again
Announced candidacy: no one
District 5
Incumbent: Mayor Tony Bruscia
Terms: 1
Status: undecided
Announced candidacy: Monica Johnson
