Dear Editor:
The goal of the San Benito County Republican Central Committee is to increase Republican representation at all levels of government.
The tasks used to accomplish the goal are to register Republicans to vote, recruit candidates for office, and assist the candidates in their election campaign. It is not the role of the Central Committee to debate issues or set policy. That activity is rightly left to the candidates. This applies to ballot initiatives and other public issues.
The Central Committee has not debated the issue nor has it made any policy decision. That is not the function of the Central Committee.
It is the concern of the Central Committee when outside hired consultants come into San Benito County and incorrectly register voters.
If an individual is paid to register voters, the individual must sign the registration form. To do otherwise is a felony.
These consultants were paid to collect signatures of registered voters. They registered some voters and were paid when these individuals signed the initiative. No registration, no payment. Ergo, they were paid to register voters and did not sign the registration form. That was the basis of my complaint to Mr. John Sarsfield.
I spoke with Mr. Curtis Hill two weeks ago. We agreed the questionable registrations should have no impact on the initiative nor on the registered voters. The intent was to put paid outside consultants on notice that when they come into San Benito County, their activities will be noted.
Again, the San Benito County Republican Central Committee has not debated the growth control initiative nor has it made any policy decision.
Marvin L. Jones
Chairman, San Benito County Republican Central Committee
