Hollister’s attorney wrapping up career
Elaine Cass sits in her office, surrounded by briefs, contracts,
and mementos from a life in Hollister.
Hollister’s attorney wrapping up career
Elaine Cass sits in her office, surrounded by briefs, contracts, and mementos from a life in Hollister.
Despite the fact that she is a resident of Monterey County, Cass said she has always felt at home in San Benito County.
Cass started with the city of Hollister in 1994, but has been working as a city attorney for about 20 years. Prior to that she worked for the Legal Aide Society and taught classes at her alma mater, Santa Clara University.
Though she retired officially in 2005, Cass will serve her final day with the city sometime in July.
“I’m just going to miss everyone so much. The job was always great. I never experienced any backbiting or undermining that comes with some jobs. Hollister’s just so great; that’s why they have all these long-term employees,” said Cass.
She’s met a lot of friends in her time with the city. She’s worked with 17 council members and six city managers during her time and that proved to be somewhat of a challenge, since everyone’s different.
She enjoyed her work and focused on specific issues that make Hollister unique.
“I had to deal with how to accommodate growth and comply with state housing mandates and still grow responsibly. The city has had an excellent track record with bringing in affordable housing as well,” said Cass.
She also liked how the city and the county were able to work cooperatively.
“I think Hollister understands that they are part of the county and has an understanding that what they do affects the county. Likewise, I think the county understands that they need to support the developments that are taking place in the city,” she said.
Still, it’s the people Cass will remember.
“I made some of my best friends here,” said Cass. “Leaving is bittersweet. The people here are all so great. I have had fun on a daily basis. It’s not all fun, but it’s … I’m sad to be leaving. I know the city is dealing with financial challenges and there are no magic bullets. Obviously there are difficulties ahead.”
She said that there were occasionally people who objected to her, but she never took it personally. She says that she knew it was never her, but the job.
“You have to have boundaries and be able to laugh. Then, when things get stressed, you aren’t overwhelmed. You realize, ‘I get paid for this, unlike the council.'”
Outside of city hall she enjoyed walking around and meeting the people. She remembers the San Benito Coffee Roasting Company, just down Fifth Street from her office, where she used to seek sustenance through caffeine. The hot Friday afternoons in the fall when she’d attend the County Fair or the rodeo in June are other memories.
She’ll have plenty of time to enjoy these things now, as she still plans to visit, but for now with retirement looming her plans are up in the air.
“This is it for me. If I work it will be as a volunteer. I’m going to stay home and take care of my husband. I might work with the seniors or in an area where I feel like I can make a difference.”
