For many, the word
”
jury
”
is often synonymous with the hassles of missing work and the
drudgery of sitting through an often tedious process.
For many, the word “jury” is often synonymous with the hassles of missing work and the drudgery of sitting through an often tedious process.
It is, nonetheless, a necessary duty and one we all should cherish for its underlying, ceaseless purpose.
Serving on San Benito County’s civil grand jury, meanwhile, while time consuming and potentially brain wracking, carries with it a veil of honor and well-intentioned commitment that continues throughout the year. It can offer normally insular citizens the opportunity to point out government flaws or shine light on corruption – and set the groundwork for meaningful change. Collectively, jury members have a powerful, untampered voice.
Word that San Benito County is struggling to fill out its 2007-08 grand jury deserves everyone’s attention because its scarcity of members has potential to disrupt the traditional democratic functions from which we all reap benefits.
While San Benito County is set to release its 2006-07 grand jury report by Wednesday, and we anxiously await those findings, County Administrative Officer Gil Solorio also told reporter Michael Van Cassell last week the current assembly of watchdogs – there’s a minimum of 12 jurors and a maximum of 19 – was short four members.
We urge citizens to consider applying for the volunteer job, if not as a bearing of self-gratitude for giving something back, then as a way of having your voices heard and suggestions implemented.
As Solorio said, it’s part of democracy’s checks and balances. It’s another layer in the system that makes our country, and county, so great. With the grand jury following up on citizens’ complaints and investigating thoroughly if warranted, it serves as another assurance that members’ voices can prompt necessary, even critical, change.
The influence is as grand as the name suggests.
In 2003, the jury recommended an expansion of the county courthouse, which officials have agreed with as they embark on trying to get that much-needed building. That jury also recommended the county upgrade all its computer systems, on which officials followed through.
In 2004, the jury requested a cost analysis of the county Marshal’s Office and also shined light on problems at Panoche School such as health problems in preparing lunches and school board shortcomings in keeping the public posted about meetings.
In 2005, the jury suggested that local school districts develop better plans for gang prevention – though officials had said such plans already were in place – due to 144 gang-related incidents on school grounds the previous three years.
In 2006, the jury pointed to overcrowding at the San Benito County Jail and recommended an expansion, a $3.5 million project Sheriff Curtis Hill had supported.
And those are just the biggest news items in recent years.
