The votes are essentially all counted for the San Benito County Board of Supervisors and the incumbents all held serve, although each race appears to have a different message. Here is what we learned from Tuesday’s races:
District 1, Margie Barrios (i) – Mark Starritt: The most surprising result was the narrow margin of victory of District 1 Supervisor Margie Barrios over newcomer/challenger Mark Starritt, 51.12 percent to 48.16 percent, a mere 41-vote difference at the initial count. Most observers thought that the widely respected, well-prepared and thoughtful Barrios would win easily, but Starritt’s campaign, which was focused on reducing the size, scope, and especially the cost of government, appears to have resonated with the district’s voters. One lesson is that no one should assume the voters are going to give them credit unless they run hard and the second may be that voters do see the size and cost of government as a serious issue that must be faced head on.
District 2, Anthony Botelho (i) – Art Medina: Anthony Botelho held his seat against challenger Arturo “Art” Medina 57.54 percent to 42.15 percent in a race that had implications for a significant shift in the board’s majority. Botelho has been constantly harping on cutting the cost of government and he had the right theme for the right time as far as the voters were concerned. Medina, who was supported by board member Robert Rivas and political consultant Rick Rivas, was well known in the district, but never seemed to find a reason to run.
Botelho stumbled badly during the campaign pushing a poorly explained deal to change the county’s fire contract that many people saw as politically motivated. However, Medina could not take advantage because of accusations that Rick Rivas tried to use political threats to influence the same vote. While Robert Rivas has the right to support whomever he wants, he should have known that actively campaigning against a sitting member, instead of a merely endorsing his opponent, would bring on resentment. For his part, Botelho took to sniping at the budget committee at every opportunity in childish retaliation. There is enough blame to go around – it is now time for Botelho and Robert Rivas to bury the hatchet and work together for a better county.
District 5, Jaime De La Cruz (i) – Sonny Flores: Incumbent Jaime De La Cruz won handily, 65.89 percent to 33.11 percent, over San Benito County Water District President Sonny Flores. Flores appeared to be running halfheartedly while De La Cruz had every advantage; he was well liked in his district, had a campaign war chest, and is currently serving in the high profile position of chairman of the board.
This election was no contest, but De La Cruz’ strength – his ability to run – is also his weakness. On several occasions during the campaign he shot from the hip and was forced to reverse his positions immediately. At other times, his actions were in direct contradiction to his words. Too many decisions seemed to be made with the election, rather than the good of the county, in mind. His position swings are excessive and a stronger opponent might have given him a better run and taught him a valuable lesson – you cannot be on both sides of every issue. If De La Cruz has continued political ambitions, he might keep that in mind.
Congratulations to the winners and a thanks to the runners-up – I will not call them losers.
