The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has rated Ignacio Velazquez with the most “stars” as a candidate for mayor and also supports Measure E, the proposed extension to the 1 percent sales tax in Hollister, according to an announcement made this week.
The chamber board announced its support for the sales tax measure and issued ratings for each of the four mayoral candidates. Chamber officials clarified that the rating for Velazquez does not reflect an official endorsement.
The chamber’s board gave a rating of three stars to Velazquez.
“Velazquez is willing to work toward positive solutions to the city’s budget problems and a commitment to revitalize the city’s business climate,” according to the chamber statement.
The business advocacy organization issued two stars for Marty Richman and contended that he “will stand up for business when necessary to help San Benito County grow and prosper.”
Doug Emerson received one star from the chamber’s board, which noted that he “needs to be educated on the concerns facing local business more so than some of the other candidates.”
Keith Snow received an “X” rating because he failed to respond to several invitations from the chamber to participate in its “Speed Campaign” forum “or otherwise address the issues facing the Chamber’s business membership.”
