The election is around the corner, and residents are eager to
share their views on the Nov. 2 races.
Retired undersheriff for Turturici
Dear Editor,
When it comes to politics it is sometimes so difficult to convince the citizens of your county what you feel is best for all the citizens of that county. My dad had a third grade education but I believe a doctorate degree in common sense. He always said don’t discuss politics or religion, and you will not lose any friends. I think that is a good statement, however every community needs its leaders. During those times we have to make decisions and make choices on who those leaders should be. Well that time is just around the corner and so we the citizens of San Benito County are going to have to make those choices. That being said, I am only going to address one position and that is the future Sheriff of San Benito County. How important is that position? When we are sleeping or awake law enforcement law enforcement is protecting each and every one of us. That protection is so important and I feel the majority of our citizens would agree with me. We have a lot of great people in law enforcement in our County and that is a blessing. The quality and professionalism however depends on its leaders. I personally believe that leader should be Pat Turturici. His experience in the Sheriff’s department as second in command certainly qualifies him. I am sure there are other qualified candidates running, however they do not have his day by day experience in this county. His educational experience is also excellent, his most recent accomplishment is graduating from the FBI Academy. Our protection while we are asleep or awake is of utmost importance to all of us, the citizens of San Benito County. I hope that you the citizens of San Benito County will join me and elect Pat Turturici Sheriff of San Benito County.
Leonerd F. Gomes, retired undersheriff, San Benito County
Resident says Thompson’s best
Dear Editor,
On October 5, 2010, the Freelance printed an article wherein the San Benito County Deputy Sheriff ‘s Association (DSA) held a general membership meeting and decided to withdraw its previous support given to Pat Turturici, candidate for sheriff.
The DSA in its statement made clear that their deputy’s in attendance at the meeting “showed courage” in making the decision and that “the DSA believe that the person we endorse for the position of sheriff should have integrity, a high standard of ethics, and morals.”
I second this decision. I have known Lt. Darren Thompson for over 20 years in my past capacity as a reserve police officer for the city of Watsonville and recently in watching his conduct in this campaign. It’s been my experience that Darren Thompson is a man of the up most character and integrity and IS EXACTLY WHAT IS NEEDED at this time in San Benito Co.
As said, being a past reserve police officer for WPD, I could only guess at the fortitude it took for active S.B.C. deputies to withdraw previously given support for an active under-sheriff from their own department. I believe their actions speak volumes.
For what it’s worth, my vote is for Darren Thompson.
Andy Moore, Hollister
Muenzer has the right experience for supervisor
Dear Editor,
I was reading an article this week from another popular local newspaper that provided a list of ten things to consider when casting your vote for this November’s election. One of them was: “When you judge candidates, assess what they’ve done, not what they say.” There is a lot of truth and good advice to that statement.
That is one of the primary reasons I support Jerry Muenzer for District 4 Supervisor. Jerry has been a supporter and member of several organizations in the county, but has also been on the board of several of those same organizations and even held the position of President on a number of them for years.
Jerry Muenzer does not seem to be focused on building any political empire for himself or being the most popular kid on the block, but has sincerely and humbly served the community for decades. Please don’t take my word for it, go to Jerry Muenzer’s website and see for yourself and while you’re at it go to his opponents website and do your own comparison.
Remember, actions have always spoken louder than words, and that is the reason I support Muenzer for Supervisor.
Roger Cimarolli, Hollister
It’s important for voters to pay attention locally
Dear Editor,
The upcoming election has several important issues and offices to be decided, but none more important than the election of a new Sheriff for San Benito County.
Sheriff Hill has chosen to retire at the end of his term. He has done a great job leading the Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement as a whole, to a high standard of professionalism. He leaves at a time when the local economy is still in poor shape, unemployment in the County is at an all-time low and some quality of life issues, specifically gangs, are on an increase.
The new Sheriff has to be able to lead not only the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, but as the chief law enforcement officer in the County, all phases of law enforcement in San Benito County.
The residents of San Benito County should take this selection very seriously. While we are ultimately responsible for our own quality of life, our law enforcement professionals are a large part of it.
 Please take the time to research each candidate. Look at experience, credentials, and breadth of knowledge. San Benito County has grown and is no longer a small farming area. We have a diverse population that covers the entire socio-economic spectrum Â
Professional competent leadership needs to continue at the Sheriff’s Office. It may be best served by an internal, local or out of town candidate. As residents of San Benito County, you need to take your responsibility seriously and do your research, look at the web sites, talk to the candidates, ask the hard questions and figure out who best should be the next chief law enforcement officer in this county. Our future depends on it.
Tony Weir, San Benito County resident
