City Councilman Tony LoBue and his opponent in the 2000
election, Paul Grannis, were involved in a verbal confrontation
Sunday morning that resulted in both men filing reports with the
Hollister Police Department.
City Councilman Tony LoBue and his opponent in the 2000 election, Paul Grannis, were involved in a verbal confrontation Sunday morning that resulted in both men filing reports with the Hollister Police Department.
LoBue and Grannis each filed conflicting peace disturbance reports regarding an incident that took place at about 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Ace Hardware on Airline Highway. No criminal charges have been filed.
LoBue said he may seek civil action or criminal charges against Grannis. There were reportedly no witnesses to the incident.
“I’m going to request an impartial mediator to possibly assist in resolving his concerns,” LoBue said.
Grannis said he has requested a restraining order against LoBue with the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office. Court records on Tuesday did not show Grannis’ alleged request, and D.A. John Sarsfield did not return phone calls to confirm it.
LoBue said while walking toward the entrance to the hardware store, he saw Grannis and tried to avoid him. LoBue said Grannis made the first comments that included the phrase, “You belong in a funny farm.”
LoBue said he attempted to walk away and Grannis responded by rising a bucket.
“He puffed out his chest and instigated what I would think would be a fist fight,” said LoBue, who then walked away.
Grannis said while walking to his truck in the parking lot, he heard someone pass by and curse at him.
“He caught my attention and said a couple other words about what I’ve been writing,” said Grannis, who often writes letters criticizing Council members’ decisions, including those of LoBue, to the local newspapers.
Grannis said both exchanged “vulgar” words, after which Grannis turned and walked away.
Grannis allegedly filed for the restraining order because, “I don’t want any confrontations.”
The HPD will not take further action, according to HPD Capt. Richard Vasquez.
“Basically, what’s going to happen, we’ll have the reports on file,” Vasquez said.
During the public comment portion of Monday’s Council meeting, Grannis spoke about the incident. He started to describe the confrontation, and LoBue called for a point of order.
“Does this involve city business or the City Council?” Mayor Brian Conroy asked Grannis.
“This has to do with the City Council and it’s city business,” Grannis said. “It’s your man, so this reflects on the city and the City Council.”
Conroy responded, “Proceed then.”
Grannis continued to describe the incident.
“When any Council member becomes disrespectful to a member of the community, it reflects on the whole City Council,” Grannis said in his written statement.
LoBue immediately followed Grannis’ comments with a written statement of his own. In it, he said he will investigate whether to seek further action.
“His continued public display may extend from his loss in the election 2-1/2 years ago, but I hope not,” LoBue said.
Grannis stood and questioned the legality of LoBue’s response during the public comment portion of the meeting.
“There should be no comment on any items of the public during the public speaking portion of our meeting, and that includes from us up here,” Conroy said.
City Attorney Elaine Cass, however, interjected and said LoBue had the right to respond because it was a “personal incident.”
