The following people, organizations and events deserved either a
Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
The following people, organizations and events deserved either a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down this week.
Thumbs up: For the news that the city might not be in as deep a financial hole as originally thought. An independent financial analysis shows Hollister has more money in reserves than previously believed. As a result, the city might be able to keep some of the people around that it planned to layoff. We hope the City Council can strike the right balance between saving jobs and putting Hollister on the path to long-term fiscal health.
Thumbs down: For the announcement that San Benito County owes the state $4 million because it miscalculated the amount of money it should have been giving Sacramento between 1997 and 2002. The news couldn’t have come at a worse time because the county already is staring down the barrel of a $4 million shortfall this coming year. The county is trying to get the state to lower the bill. Let’s hope it works. It was bad enough when the county considered slashing 4-H and farm programs to deal with a smaller debt. Imagine what could go as a result of this math blunder.
Thumbs up: For the return of the Farmer’s Market and the summer season. Fresh produce, fresh fish and fresh flowers made for a cornucopia of delightful local products at the market’s return Wednesday. The location on the corner of Fourth and San Benito streets is perfect, and having it on the grass just adds to the pleasant atmosphere. The market will be there every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Take a look.
Thumbs up: For Chuck “Poker Hands” Agnew who was riding high in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas last week. The Hollister man has lived and breathed poker for 32 years. Playing in the series was the actualization of a dream to hold ’em and fold ’em in the world’s most prestigious poker game. Though he finished in 82nd place, Agnew at one time was in third and up more than $500,000. Two devastating hands brought him back to earth, but he didn’t let it get him down. Agnew vows to go back next year and, in the mean time, passed along some wisdom that can serve many well. “I win with grace and I lose with class,” he said.
Thumbs up: For Gavilan College and California State University Monterey Bay for creating a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree students can complete right here in Hollister. Our area needs more higher education opportunities for people looking to take a step up in the world, and the addition of a business degree students can get at home is a move in the right direction.
Thumbs up: For the many veterans turning out to remember our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. Few Americans will ever have to make the tremendous sacrifice our veterans have made in defending this country. They should be remembered and respected always, not just on Memorial Day, but every day.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to ed****@fr***********.com
