A San Juan Bautista newspaper reporter who moderated a
candidates’ forum last week is listed as donating $140 in May to
Pat Turturici’s campaign for sheriff.
A San Juan Bautista newspaper reporter who moderated a candidates’ forum last week is listed as donating $140 in May to Pat Turturici’s campaign for sheriff.
Turturici, the undersheriff, is facing Watsonville police Lt. Darren Thompson in the race for sheriff on Tuesday’s ballot. The San Juan Star newspaper hosted the forum that included candidates for sheriff, San Juan Bautista City Council and the school board race there, said Dan DeVries, co-owner of the Star newspaper.
Star reporter John Hopper, also listed as a co-owner of the publication, was moderator of the event. A Turturici campaign disclosure statement lists “John Hopper” with the title, “Reporter” and “San Juan Star” for a donation made May 21, according to the documents.
He moderated the forum Oct. 21 involving candidates for local races. Turturici spoke at the event and took questions from attendees. Thompson said he was informed of the forum by e-mail Oct. 18 and that he had a previously scheduled commitment for another event.
The organizers allowed him to send in a one-minute statement that Hopper read, Thompson said. Turturici spoke for two minutes before questioning from audience members, according to the video posted to the undersheriff’s campaign website.
Hopper when reached Thursday said he would have to ask his wife about it and that he thought she made a donation at a Turturici fundraiser that she and he attended.
Asked if he is a Turturici supporter, and Hopper responded that the San Juan Star newspaper has endorsed Turturici.
“It wouldn’t be appropriate for me personally to endorse a candidate,” Hopper said. “Officially, I would say I have no comment.”
DeVries referred questions regarding Hopper’s listed donation – and his moderation of the forum – to Hopper.
