Politics

Marty Richman, 70, has long been a fixture at Hollister City Council and San Benito County board meetings. But if he wins his run for the inaugural mayoral race Nov. 6, he will be at the meetings in an official capacity for the first time.

Ignacio Velazquez wants to bring a business-like approach to Hollister government and remove barriers to help encourage new commerce here.

Keith Snow may be a relative newcomer to Hollister, but he has the desire to be a leader “for the people.”

Doug Emerson, 68, is a two-term Hollister city councilman who is running in the first elected mayor's race on Nov. 6.

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.