Politics

The county has agreed to settle with a union and pay it $10,000 after being challenged over a long-held policy banning the employees from posting political signs on their personal property.

An apparent political and racist display aimed toward President Barack Obama at an east Morgan Hill residence hasn’t caused much of a stir within the immediate neighborhood which consists mostly of small farms and ranch houses, but has inspired widespread commentary on the Internet accusing the owner of racism and hatred.

San Benito County’s Republican Party last weekend posted a handful of large signs supporting presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The local party’s chairman on Wednesday reported that one of those signs was vandalized – so it now reads “Romney Lies” – and another was stolen.

As was the case in 2007, the campaign committee supporting the 1 percent sales tax has been the most active fundraising organization in this election season.

The San Benito County Grand Jury released its 2011-12 report, which includes recommendations on Measure T, staffing levels at the jail, recommendations for local schools and a review of the John Smith Landfill.

The long-awaited transfer of San Benito Street to local control could be less than a year away, opening up the downtown corridor to beautification projects that could make it more walkable and appealing to consumers.

Both sides of the Measure E sales tax argument pointed to its potential impact on economic development. Proponents contended that with fewer resources, it would drive away new businesses. The most vocal opponent argued that a lower sales tax would benefit small businesses, and that the city should get out of the economic development business altogether.

In an attempt to give Hollister vendors a leg up with city contracts, the council this week supported a 5 percent bidding advantage for those businesses. The preference, however, will not apply to county vendors.

This evening in downtown Hollister, it might feel like the summer of 2008 all over again.