Barrios, Freitas and De La Cruz
With a majority of the seats on the San Benito County Board of
Supervisors at issue, voters have an opportunity to set the
county’s course when they cast ballots June 3.
After interviewing the seven candidates, reviewing their
campaign materials, endorsements and Web sites, the Pinnacle
editorial board offers a qualified endorsement for Margie Barrios,
Anthony Freitas and Jaime De La Cruz.
Barrios, Freitas and De La Cruz
With a majority of the seats on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors at issue, voters have an opportunity to set the county’s course when they cast ballots June 3.
After interviewing the seven candidates, reviewing their campaign materials, endorsements and Web sites, the Pinnacle editorial board offers a qualified endorsement for Margie Barrios, Anthony Freitas and Jaime De La Cruz.
The board reached speedy consensus for Barrios in District 1, who combines passion, carefully thought out ideas for solutions and an innate ability to connect with people.
In District 2, the decision was not as easy. Incumbent Anthony Botelho knows the San Juan Bautista-Aromas area district as well as anyone. His outspoken opposition to the state Department of Transportation’s plan to widen Highway 156 through San Juan Valley plays well with his constituents in San Juan, but it’s short-sighted for San Benito County. Caltrans’ decision is in, and it’s late in the game to call for a wholesale revision. Freitas understands that now is the time to negotiate with Caltrans for a highway San Juan residents can live with. Their legitimate concerns over noise can and should be addressed. Caltrans must come up with a better solution than a stoplight on a state highway bisecting one of California’s most historic villages.
Jaime De La Cruz faces a virtual rematch to the 2004 election in which he gained office. His hair’s breadth win then was marked with controversy. It was in that election that he edged incumbent Bob Cruz. Today, he faces Cruz’ wife, Marian Cruz. In nearly four years in office, De La Cruz has shown remarkable growth. A canny politician, he understands his district as only someone who grew up in its heart can. His focus on job production, the welfare of his district and economic growth is unwavering. One member of our board observed that with De La Cruz, “you always know which side of an issue he’s going to come down on. He’s consistent; it’s always his district and jobs.”
Cruz has a long and distinguished record of commitment to the community and public service. But De La Cruz has given voters no reason not to return him to office.
It’s no coincidence that our endorsements match those of the San Benito County Stewardship Council. The council is composed of young local business leaders. Like us, the council believes economic development to be San Benito County’s most pressing need.
Barrios has 20 years’ experience of effective leadership on the Hollister School District Board of Trustees. She understands that limited resources demand collaboration and leadership. “I believe we have a beautiful community that offers opportunities,” she said. “Let’s make it a little bit easier. We can tap into so much in this community.” She talks of setting goals and objectives that are “real, collaborative and budget-driven.”
Freitas, too, quickly made it clear economic development is his top priority. His focus on restoring Hollister’s rail link to the outside world may not be realistic, but it speaks volumes about his optimism and creative thinking. Freitas promises to expedite business development with fast-tracking, fee reductions and possible tax breaks for new job producers. He further promises office hours in Aromas, San Juan and Hollister to stay in touch with his constituents. He promises to foster agriculture, to push development away from prime production areas and to work to improve the transportation network and the Hollister Airport.
De La Cruz is the only candidate to focus on one of San Benito County’s most glaring oversights; a five-year economic plan. He promises a task force and results before year’s end. Forecasting county government’s economic future will be essential if San Benito County is to balance its budget without raiding reserves. He calls for an economic development element in the new county general plan that’s now being developed.
“I believe we need to start changing the culture in San Benito County,” De La Cruz said. He deserves another term to try to accomplish that task.
