Thumbs up: For Robert Rivas, a 24-year-old political go-getter from Hollister, and his friends who formed the Young Democrats of San Benito County Club. Rivas has a refreshingly positive perspective on the power of politics to make a difference, and he aims to spread the message. A key goal of the group will be to get young people to vote. Rivas says only 20 percent of youth do so, and he wants to turn that around.
“We need to let people in this county know that there are youth here who care about what happens. We are a voting block,” he said.
A commendable and important goal, and we wish him the best of luck.
Thumbs up: For San Benito High School, which has managed to come through financially trying times with a budget in the black. Through a monthly financial report to the board, close examination of expenditures and planning ahead for state cuts, the school is able to stay ahead of the game. As a result, the high school has money to plow back into buying computers, scientific calculators and programs to improve education for students. Superintendent of County Schools Tim Foley said it best when it comes to the high school’s achievement.
“San Benito High School is not only a role model for other districts in the county, but districts everywhere,” he said.
Thumbs down: For the prolific city spending draining $7.1 million from the general fund on capital items between 2000 and 2003, about half the city’s reserves. The city spent $2.4 million to buy 82 new vehicles between 2000 and 2003 – $1 million of that on cars, pickup trucks and minivans. Hindsight is 20/20, but with Hollister facing large deficits in the coming years, we bet the City Council would like it if employees had squeezed a few more miles out of their late-model cars. Thankfully, council members are tightening their belts. No new cars have been purchased in the last eight months, and Councilman Robert Scattini led the charge to reject spending nearly $30,000 on a parking enforcement vehicle.
Thumbs up: For head elections official John Hodges and his watchful eye over the recall effort beginning against District Attorney John Sarsfield. Hodges and the elections office discovered some of the signatures on the intent of a recall document were not valid and that the group had surpassed a 200 word limit explaining the reason for the effort. Kudos to Hodges for making sure it is done correctly and legally – especially considering the mess over ballots in the March District 5 election.
Thumbs up: For the City Council on finally forming a fire task force to examine ways to improve fire protection and lower costs. The city of Hollister will more than likely continue to struggle with budget problems in the coming years, and starting the task force to improve fire service is a good idea during these lean times.
Thumbs up: For area schools and their crack down on attendance. Not only does student attendance greatly influence the amount of funding given to schools, the days students spend in class monumentally affects the quality of their education. Kids need to go to school. A free education is one of the things that makes this country so great.
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