Hollister
– In an effort to inform local residents about the issues and
people they’ll see on the ballot this June, the San Benito County
Farm Bureau and the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce will be
holding a political forum for candidates and proponents of two
school bond measures to say their piece
next week.
Hollister – In an effort to inform local residents about the issues and people they’ll see on the ballot this June, the San Benito County Farm Bureau and the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a political forum for candidates and proponents of two school bond measures to say their piece next week.
“The people in this election will be the decision makers in our community for years to come,” said Liz Sparling, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s important that people get to know what they stand for.”
This the 20th year that that the two agencies have sponsored a political debate, and it typically sees good participation. This year only one candidate, Anna Ventura Phares, will not be attending due to a prior commitment.
“Really the Farm Bureau deals with quite a lot of legislation and we’re very involved, even though a lot of people don’t know that,” said Nancy Griffin, Farm Bureau Executive Director. “So we thought it would be a good idea to get together with the Chamber of Commerce and hold an unbiased forum each year, so everybody gets a chance to learn about the candidates.”
The forum itself, which will be held Tuesday at City Hall at 6:30pm, is a fairly straightforward event. Candidates have two or three minutes to make a statement, depending on the office they seek, then answer one or two questions they will not have had time to prepare for and make closing statements.
The event is free and open to the public, and will also be broadcast live on CMAP for those unable to attend, and will be shown later in the week as well.
“We just wanted to make sure that everyone gets a chance to see this,” said Sparling.
In addition to listening to candidates promote themselves, two local educators will be presenting arguments in support of two bond measure. Howard Chase, Superintendent of North County School District, will be supporting a $3 million bond, Measure M, that would help fund classroom renovations, a new cafeteria and parking lot improvements. Jackie Munoz, Superintendent of San Juan-Aromas School District, will present a campaign statement for the passage of Measure N, a $24 million bond that would fund projects throughout the district, including a new preschool at San Juan School, a new library at Aromas School, and a new auditorium for Anzar High School, among other improvements.
For more information on the event call Griffin at 637-7643 or Sparling at 637-5315.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
