Clerk hand-picks successor; Monaco still unchallenged
The district attorney and one county supervisor already have
races on their hands, but with the filing period for the June
primary election already a week old, another supervisor is still
waiting for some competition to emerge.
The California primary election next June includes local races
for the positions of District 3 supervisor; District 4 supervisor;
county assessor; county clerk/auditor/recorder, district attorney,
two superior court judge seats, county sheriff, treasurer/tax
collector; and superintendent of schools.
Clerk hand-picks successor; Monaco still unchallenged
The district attorney and one county supervisor already have races on their hands, but with the filing period for the June primary election already a week old, another supervisor is still waiting for some competition to emerge.
The California primary election next June includes local races for the positions of District 3 supervisor; District 4 supervisor; county assessor; county clerk/auditor/recorder, district attorney, two superior court judge seats, county sheriff, treasurer/tax collector; and superintendent of schools.
The first day to take out papers was Friday, Dec. 30. As of Thursday afternoon, eight people had pulled papers to run for the position.
District Supervisors Pat Loe and Reb Monaco have both pulled their papers, as has Sheriff Curtis Hill. Joe-Paul Gonzalez has pulled papers for the Clerk/Auditor/Recorder/Registrar of Voters position. In the category of District 1 Superior Court Judge, Steve Sanders pulled papers late last week. Arthur Cantu pulled papers for the district attorney’s position. Looking to unseat Supervisor Loe in District 3 are candidates Richard Place and Ronald “Stubby” Stubblefield who both also pulled papers the first week of the race.
Also considering running for the position of sheriff is current county Constable Robbie Scattini, who said he’s been considering running for the position of sheriff hasn’t made up his mind yet as to whether he’ll throw his hat into he ring.
However, one person who will not be throwing their hat into the ring is John Hodges.
Hodges plans to retire next year and devote his time to cattle ranching instead of serving the public. He has been grooming a replacement, candidate Gonzalez to replace him when he retires at the end of 2006.
Below is a general breakdown of the other positions that are becoming available in June and the requirements for each position.
Assessor
For the position of County Assessor all candidates must hold a valid appraiser’s certificate issued by the California State Board of Equalization, according to current assessor Tom Slavich.
The assessor is responsible for locating all taxable property in the county and identifying ownership. He/she is also responsible for establishing a value for all property subject to taxation; listing values of all properties on the annual assessment roll; applying legal exemptions. The assessor must be knowledgeable of California Property Tax laws; administer the Williamson Act otherwise known as the Land Conservation Act (LCA); and is responsible for the general administration of the assessor’s office.
Tax Collector/Treasurer
For the position of County Tax Collector Mary-Lou Andrade said that all applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria.
The applicant must have served in a senior financial position in a county, city or other public agency dealing with similar financial responsibilities for a continuous period of not less than three years, including, but not limited to, treasurer, tax collector, auditor, auditor-controller, or the chief deputy or an assistant to those.
The applicant must also possess a valid baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in any of the following major fields of study: business administration, public administration, economics, finance, accounting, or a related field with a minimum of 16 college semester units or their equivalent in accounting, auditing or finance.
The ideal applicant should also possess a valid certificate issued by the California Board of Accountancy pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, showing that person to be, and a permit authorizing that person to practice as a certified public accountant.
The applicant must also possess a valid charter issued by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts showing that person to be designated a Chartered Financial Analyst, with a minimum of 16 college semester units, or their equivalent, in accounting, auditing or finance.
Andrade said that the last requirement must also be fulfilled Per Ordinance No 678. “All persons desiring to become a candidate for the position of the San Benito County Treasurer-Tax Collector shall provide to the County Clerk at the time of filing for the position, a written statement declaring the manner under which he or she qualifies for the position.”
The treasurer/tax collector position pays $8,189 per month.
Sheriff
According to Sheriff/Coroner Curtis Hill, the position of sheriff is responsible for the full functioning law enforcement agency including deputies and court bailiff, as well as the civil division that handles legal documents. Additionally, the position of sheriff is also responsible for the jail and the care and custody of the inmates housed there. Finally, the sheriff’s office contracts with the city of San Juan Bautista, so all law enforcement responsibilities for that community as well fall under the sheriff’s duties.
As far as requirements are concerned, the applicant must have all the requirements of a police officer with certification in Peace Officer Standards Training (POST). The sheriff/coroner position pays $10,355 per month.
The last day to turn in signatures in lieu of the filing fee is Feb. 23. However, the nomination period doesn’t actually begin until Feb. 13 and concludes March 10. That is the period during which candidates actually declare their candidacy.
