Editorials

The City of Hollister had three measures on Tuesday's ballot, and the voters sent messages of both change and caution.

The recent revelation that the county has gradually spiked health inspection fees for booths at the farmers market is a stark reminder of hypocrisy in local government. While legally abiding businesses have played by the rules and forked over more of their money year after year – supposedly to offset inspection costs and keep the public safe – authorities have ignored enforcement of illegal street vendors.

Panelists answered the question: Do you believe the U.S. economy will improve between now and the end of the year?

Gavilan College Board President Laura Perry has stared guilt in the face and hunkered down defiantly against allegations trustees violated the state open meetings law when approving Steve Kinsella's mind-wringing pay hike. Her response can only heighten suspicion about the approval's secretive nature and skepticism about college officials' priorities.

The only clarity out of the recent debate on San Benito County's contracted fire service is that officials involved with the decision did a poor job of explaining the proposed arrangements from Calfire and Hollister.

By failing to identify and appoint a permanent chief of police, the majority of the Hollister City Council and City Manager Clint Quilter have shirked their responsibility of protecting the public to the best of their ability with the available resources.

The San Benito County Behavioral Health Department received a much-needed boost for a sober-living program that should help many individuals clean up their lives while curtailing recidivism rates of local inmates.