Monica Johnson opts out of running as incumbent
Hollister City Councilwoman Monica Johnson will not run for
reelection in District 5 in November.
The first person to announce intentions to run in District 5 is
local architect David Huboi. Huboi is a city planning
commissioner.
Monica Johnson opts out of running as incumbent
Hollister City Councilwoman Monica Johnson will not run for reelection in District 5 in November.
The first person to announce intentions to run in District 5 is local architect David Huboi. Huboi is a city planning commissioner.
After her announcement, Huboi discussed his decision with Johnson.
“I was very much excited to hear about him running,” Johnson said. “I think he’ll be very capable. I think he’s well versed on the circumstances of the city, where we’re going, and where we’ve been.”
Doug Emerson, Hollister’s mayor, does intend to run for reelection in his District 4 seat.
“I went down and got my papers yesterday,” Emerson said.
Brad Pike, the District 1 representative, is also up for election. Pike could not be reached by press time.
New candidates have until Aug. 8 to file their paperwork and incumbents have until Aug. 13, said Geri Johnson, Hollister’s city clerk.
Johnson announced her decision at a city council meeting July 7. This is her first term.
“It was a very tough decision,” Johnson said. “I actually cried when I announced it on Monday.”
Due to a change in her personal circumstances, Johnson could not fully commit to another four years in office, she said.
“Had my personal circumstances not changed, I would have run again,” Johnson said. “You might see me again in four years. We’ll see.”
A lot of people supported her and wanted her to run again, Johnson said.
“That’s why I announced on Monday,” Johnson said. “People that might have not thought about running might decide to run, or at least think about it.”
After indicating his interest in the seat, Marty Richman, a local political observer, announced his decision not to run for the District 5 seat.
So far Huboi is the only new candidate in the race. As a planning commissioner, Huboi has done a great job of avoiding conflicts of interest, Johnson said.
“Right after she decided, I made my decision to transition into city council, or at least gave it my best to do that,” Huboi said. “The pieces seemed to fall into place for me personally, with my experience on the planning commission.”
Huboi has been a planning commissioner for three and a half years. As city officials finalize a zoning ordinance update, all that is left to do is review projects, Huboi said.
“I think it’s a good opportunity to transition for city council where I can continue to serve my community,” Huboi said.
Huboi has lived in Hollister for 14 years.
“I raised a daughter here in Hollister,” Huboi said. “When we moved out here, my wife was pregnant. Right away, I felt like this was my home. I love this community, I love the city, and I want the best for it.”
An adamant supporter of Measure T, an initiative that raised the city’s sales tax one percent, Huboi spent time carrying a sign at afternoon rallies in support of it.
“I felt that it was in the city’s best interest to keep the city services,” Huboi said.
The recreation programs were paramount, Huboi said.
Huboi is on a mission.
“I have a vision for a city that is vibrant with activity and you can color it green,” Huboi said.
His vision for Hollister is a sustainable city with a vibrant downtown, Huboi said.
As a practicing architect, Huboi would bring his experience with green building and low-income housing to city council.
“Green architecture is one topic I’ve done a lot of research on,” Huboi said.
He could bring to the attention of Hollister residents what has worked in other cities, Huboi said.
Huboi is a member of the Hollister Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce.
“It helps when the elected official is well connected with the community, because he is able to communicate with the business officials through the boards he is a member of,” Huboi said.
He is also a board member for the Homeless Task Force and Habitat for Humanity.
“I have family obligations too, and they rank pretty high,” Huboi said. “That’s probably my first obligation. Then city council. Then a self-employed architect.”
The biggest problems facing Hollister are economic, Huboi said.
“I’ve been pretty outspoken about green architecture, historic preservation, and affordable housing,” Huboi said. “Now I’m going to shift my focus towards economic growth and job creation in the City of Hollister.”
To promote economic development, it is really important to build upon Historic Downtown, Huboi said.
Although he has a lot to learn about economic growth, he likes to take on challenges, Huboi said.
“I’m not afraid to take on unpopular views if I think it’s in the best interest of our community,” Huboi said. “I’m really well acquainted with the general plan and I have very good communication with the city staff.”
As a planning commissioner, he has never missed a meeting and reads everything, Huboi said.
“I take pride in my preparation, I take pride in my attendance, and I think I’ve been able to do a pretty damn good job so far,” Huboi said. “I’m very determined, I’m very inspired, I’m motivated, and I’m very passionate about everything that I do.”
