Central Hollister district contested
In the race for district 3, incumbent Pat Loe faces off against
former supervisor Richard Place who served in district 2 before the
last redistricting. As part of the core of Hollister and the only
district entirely within the city limits, district 3 comes with its
own unique challenges.
Central Hollister district contested
In the race for district 3, incumbent Pat Loe faces off against former supervisor Richard Place who served in district 2 before the last redistricting. As part of the core of Hollister and the only district entirely within the city limits, district 3 comes with its own unique challenges.
Traffic along the downtown corridor and between the oldest homes in the city has increased while the infrastructure has stayed the same, largely due to the sewer moratorium and shortsighted development in the past. Each has a different take on the best path for economic development, another key issue in the race. Loe favors a vibrant downtown core and new industry, while Place sees a future that could include a major recreational venue such as a racetrack for autos or horses. Both agree the Board of Supervisors needs to bring spending in line with revenues and stop deficit spending.
Each candidate brings a unique history and background in San Benito County. Loe grew up in the Chicago area before moving with her parents to Hollister in 1963 to live closer to her grandparents and an aunt. She has deep roots in the area and is a graduate of the local high school.
“I want to see the community be the best it can be,” she said. In the 70s she served on the Hollister city council and has been active in the community in an official or private capacity ever since.
Place grew up in Napa and moved to San Benito in 1992. He studied economics and accounting, working as a controller for different companies.
The father of two, he said “it doesn’t take long to fall in love with the county.” He ran for the Board of Supervisors in 1996, winning a seat in District 2.
Loe and Place answered key questions about San Benito County and District 3 for the Pinnacle.
Pat Loe
Years of residence in San Benito: 42
Experience: Loe has more than 30 years as an elected or appointed official and as a private citizen in San Benito County. She served on the Hollister city council, the homeless task force and on various other committees.
Reason for running: Incumbent Loe wants to continue opening up county government to public input while maintaining a healthy community and growing economically.
Issues unique to the district: With all of district 3 within Hollister city limits, Loe sees traffic circulation as a major issue.
Top issues facing San Benito: The budget deficit in the county is a major issue that needs to be addressed, with raising revenues a key component through revitalizing the economy.
View on DMB’s Rancho San Benito and Del Webb projects: Many of the promises made by the developers are misleading as they are requirements that would need to be met for approval of the project. Still, Loe promised to keep an open mind about future development.
Stance on growth: The county should grow from the core out, with input from the community on a new general plan.
View on economic development, specifically tourism: Economic development should be addressed within the general plan, with different venues discussed.
Example of compromise: As a member of the intergovernmental committee, Loe has worked with Hollister City Council and water district members on issues affecting citizens.
View of votes of no confidence: As an elected official, Loe would work with others elected by the voters. No confidence votes have no official meaning, according to Loe.
Roadways: Believes the county needs to have input from San Juan Bautista and from Santa Clara County in developing a regional plan, with the focus on bringing a four-lane highway to San Benito.
The county in 2025: With increased development fees and economic development, Loe sees the county growing concentrically from its core while maintaining its agricultural heritage and a vibrant downtown.
Richard B. Place
Years of residence in San Benito: 14
Experience: A former supervisor, Place was appointed to the Governor’s Transportation Committee and the Executive Board of the Regional Council of Rural Counties. He has also worked in private business and is educated in accounting and economics.
Reason for running: He is running to revitalize the local economy and create a larger job base.
Issues unique to District 3: Traffic and parking issues around the high school, gangs and completion of the Westside extension and Riverside Parkway.
Top issues facing San Benito County: Creating a regional transportation plan with Santa Clara that will help the county better understand the cost of new developments in terms of roadway renovations and reconstruction.
View on DMB’s Rancho San Benito and Del Webb projects: Place wants the general plan for the county and a regional transportation plan to be considered before any major projects are considered.
Stance on growth: The current growth ordinance needs to be updated to comply with state regional growth laws. The countywide vote on projects over 100 units should remain.
View on economic development, specifically tourism: San Benito should consider recreational tourism. Place suggested a venue such as Infineon Raceway in Sonoma County, could bring thousands of full-time jobs and new businesses as well as tourists.
Example of compromise: As a former supervisor, he worked with constituents as well as Granite Rock and other private companies to create a linear park along Old Stage Road. The area is now part of the DeAnza trail.
View of votes of no confidence: Votes of no confidence are necessary when the public health and safety is endangered or in enforcing financial responsibility.
Roadways: The county should work with Santa Clara County to receive maximum funding to maintain roads within San Benito County.
The county in 2025 if it maintains its current course: Fiscal changes within the county will be necessary to keep the county from deficit. Through economic development, such as focus on recreational tourism, Place believes the job ratio per household would increase from 1.4 to 1.6 or 1.7.
District 3 at-a-glance
· Type of race: Non-partisan county race
· Boundaries: The only entirely urban district, it incorporates Southwest Hollister, south of South Street and east to Memorial Drive.
· Term of office: 4 years
· Number of constituents: approximately 11,000
· Salary: $43,451.91 annually
