After eight years as top county cop, San Benito County Sheriff
Curtis Hill announced Thursday he’s ready to make it an even dozen
by running for re-election in 2006 to another four-year term.
Hollister – After eight years as top county cop, San Benito County Sheriff Curtis Hill announced Thursday he’s ready to make it an even dozen by running for re-election in 2006 to another four-year term.
The 29-year veteran of the sheriff’s department said not running for a third term was never an option because there are goals he’s set that haven’t been met yet.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do as far as raising the bar every day,” Hill said. “I feel the department has a good level of trust with the community but we need to build on that and make that better all the time.”
Although the primary for the November 2006 election isn’t until next June, Hill announced his candidacy early to jump-start his campaigning, he said. While he hasn’t heard of any other candidates who might oppose him, he said he’s willing to campaign every day until November to convince voters he’s the right man for the job again.
Former sheriff and current San Benito County Marshall Robert Scattini said he’s toying with the idea of running against Hill, who ran unopposed in 2002, but hasn’t made up his mind. He believes Hill’s done an adequate job over the past eight years.
“I’ve done it before and I can do it again,” Scattini said. “I’m not certain yet, but I’m thinking about it.”
Hill’s decision to go for a third term in office pleased Supervisor Don Marcus, who called Hill an a “tremendous asset” to the county due to his dedication and knowledge of the business.
“I think people that work for him and under him respect him and he shows leadership qualities we need,” Marcus said.
Whether or not Hill has an opponent, he believes the top priorities in the department over the next couple years should include constructing a new sheriff’s office and focusing on the recruiting and retention of qualified deputies.
He also believes the sheriff should focus on creating and implementing a budget that allows resources to be used as efficiently as possible. Hill was able to give $370,000 back to the county’s general fund last fiscal year, according to the county administrative officer.
“Most public agencies are budgeted an amount of money and work to spend every penny of it, but that doesn’t fit with how a business is run in the private sector,” Hill said. “What I want to do is distribute the max amount of product while saving the taxpayers money.”
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or em*******@fr***********.com
