Growth cap, SJB council, state races
There are many local races that are critical to the future of
our community. After considering the issues and the candidates, The
Pinnacle announces its endorsements and/or recommendations in the
following races:
Growth cap, SJB council, state races
There are many local races that are critical to the future of our community. After considering the issues and the candidates, The Pinnacle announces its endorsements and/or recommendations in the following races:
City of Hollister Measure U: would establish a residential growth limit of 244 homes per year, set aside a minimum of 40 homes for low and very low income housing, and establish a rating scale to reward the best developments. The Pinnacle recommends a yes vote on this issue. The city currently is under a moratorium because of out-of-control growth practices in the past. While an even more stringent growth ordinance probably is necessary, Measure U is a start and should be passed with a ‘yes’ vote.
City of San Juan Bautista Council, three seats available.
The Pinnacle recommends incumbent Pricilla Hill for being a tireless advocate for responsible growth; challenger Arturo “Art” Medina for fighting for responsible growth practices during his time on the city planning commission; and Charles “Chuck” Geiger for ongoing involvement in city politics, especially in helping lead the effort by Rebecca McGovern to secure a city growth cap.
State Senate District 12: Rusty Areias is a former state assembly member and most recently head of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. When Areias was in the state assembly, he pushed for and got the exit ramp at Highway 101 and SR 25, which previously had been an unprotected and dangerous left turn across traffic. He was a leader in getting road improvements to make Pacheco Pass safer. We needed him in the state legislature during our Highway 25 crisis. Challenger Jeff Denham is inexperienced and has run a negative campaign, for which he should not be rewarded. The Pinnacle endorses Rusty Areias.
U.S. House of Representatives: Incumbent Sam Farr, for his ongoing work to protect the local environment.
State Assembly Distict 28: Incumbent Simon Salinas, who has shown an ongoing interest in San Benito County, especially issues related to Highway 25.
San Benito Joint Union High School District, three seats:
The current board has been out of step with concerns of parents in regards to the meting of discipline by the administration. By ignoring concerns, the problem manifested into public demonstrations of dissatisfaction that attracted the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union. Additionally, teachers are concerned about high turnover rates among their peers. Voters should give serious consideration to the challengers in the race who are backed by the teachers’ union: Jan Joseph, Bill Tiffany and Stefani Fowler.
San Benito Health Care District: two seats
Challenger Sharon A. Scagliotti, a business woman and former owner of Whispering Pines assisted living center, would serve the hospital board well as it struggles with health care issues affecting San Benito County’s growing elderly population and as the board takes on the challenges of an additional skilled nursing care center. Incumbent Dr. Nazhat P. Sharma adds experience and the views of a health care professional in the community. The Pinnacle recommends both candidates.
