Get Involved in Possibility of a New County Courthouse
Get Involved in Possibility of a New County Courthouse
Editor,
San Benito County residents are faced with an opportunity, one that other communities wish they could have. This is a unique prospect that is not likely to come around again if the project is not approached in collaboration and a spirit of good will by the entire community. I am referring to the exciting news that the State of California may choose to fund a new superior court in San Benito County in the fiscal year 2007-2008 budget.
The judicial branch bases each court capital project on four objectives – to improve security, to reduce overcrowding, to correct physical hazards and to improve access to court services – and has been reviewing over 200 such projects to decide the number to submit for new construction funding in the upcoming budget year. As a result, a new courthouse for the Superior Court of San Benito County is scheduled to be one of eight projects statewide to be submitted for funding consideration in next year’s state budget.
We all know the need is there for a new courthouse. I personally have sat on the bench with Judge Steve Sanders and heard cases in the small overcrowded courtroom. Current state standards would require a new San Benito courthouse to have four courtrooms and 40,000 square feet to adequately support the local judicial process. The current facility only has three courtrooms, only two which are presently usable for jury trials, and approximately 13,000 square feet to support the local judicial process. A new courthouse not only means more physical space, but it allows for improved security, versus an antiquated security system that exists today.
In order for San Benito County to secure this funding, it will take a full commitment of the entire community to make this happen. I personally have committed my full support on the state level to push for this funding, but it will take each community member, civic organization and local business to show their support.
How can you help? You can get involved! Your local representatives want to hear from you. If you share your support or concerns now, they can proactively address these issues and resolve them prior to the final selection process by the state. I encourage you to write a letter, make a phone call or send an email to your local elected representatives on the city council, board of supervisors or your business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce or Downtown Hollister Association. Your comments are crucial to the process to construct a new community courthouse to San Benito County. Act now! You can make a difference in the future of your community.
Jeff Denham
State Senator
