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NEWS > ELECTION 2008
Candidates make their cases at forum

May 7, 2008
By Curtis Cartier

Candidates running for three seats on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors squared off last night at the 21st annual candidates forum at Hollister City Hall. Seven candidates are fighting for the spots. These candidates, along with a United States Congressional hopeful, introduced themselves and answered questions from a moderator in front of about 30 people at the 90-minute debate sponsored by the San Benito County Farm Bureau.

The following is a summary of each race and how the candidates responded.

District 5: Jaime De La Cruz (i), Marian Cruz
The debate focused mainly on governmental issues but did take a personal turn when challenger Marian Cruz attacked Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz, who's finishing his first term, for his statement made to an attorney during public comment at a board meeting in July. At that meeting, he had this to say to the resident: "They're going to be (expletive) and complaining about something else."

That attorney had been representing a group opposing the board's changes to the county's development rules, and the lawyer had been trying to delay the decision.

The two are competing in District 5, a mostly urban area, covering north Hollister from South Street to Wright Road.

De La Cruz, a 42-year year county resident and the current chairman of the board, backed his record and pointed to "new parks and open spaces for our youth" as well as "good relationships" built in Hollister. He also recommended establishing an "apprenticeship program" for teens who are at risk of gang involvement.

"We inherited a big mess four years ago and we've done pretty well," De La Cruz said. "Let's not go back to the old ways."

Cruz, a "born-and-raised" Hollister resident and retired educator, accused De La Cruz of using inappropriate "harsh language" when speaking at that prior meeting. She also said she would work to increase "transparency in local government" and build the economy around agriculture, "without brick and mortar."

"It's all about integrity," Cruz said. "I hope no one will be talked to like (De La Cruz did) at a public meeting."

District 2: Anthony Botelho (i), Anthony Freitas
Supervisor Anthony Botelho and challenger Anthony Freitas, who faced off in 2004, are fighting for the District 2 seat, which covers much of the San Juan Valley and a piece of southern Hollister.

Botelho, an orchardist and former firefighter, stood by his first term as county supervisor, saying he has helped create, "enhanced public service, veteran service and 4H funding."

"I do what's best for the people. I don't play games," Botelho said. "This election is about experience. Who has it. Who doesn't."

Freitas, a "born-and-raised" Hollister native and also an orchardist, criticized Botelho's record as supervisor in areas such as road maintenance and employee hiring.

"Are you better off than you were 3-and-a-half years ago?" Freitas said. "Not many people can say 'yes.' I will be a strong, principled supervisor and I wont sit on the fence."

Supervisor District 1: Margie Barrios, Bonnie Flores-Voropaeff, Grant Brians
In District 1, which includes the Sunnyslope neighborhood and areas northeast of Hollister, three candidates are contending for the open seat to succeed Supervisor Don Marcus, who chose not to seek reelection.

Barrios, a 44-year Hollister native and educator, presented herself as a caring, longtime resident with a "vested interest" in San Benito County. She said she has plans to "make sure we protect our county's integrity but aggressively pursue agriculture industry business."

Flores-Voropaeff, another longtime county resident, read from a prepared speech and said she is running on a "pro-business platform." She said nearly all major issues in the city start with the lack of tax revenue and she proposed an incentive program that would offer tax breaks to incoming businesses.

Grant Brians, a farmer and 35-year county resident, spoke generally about "encouraging" Hollister stores to generate local business and the "disaffection" of county residents who "don't know the people who live down the street."

"Realism, optimism and planning … If you combine the three, you can have a lot of progress," Brians said.

U.S. House of Representatives District 17: Sam Farr, Jeff Taylor
Jeff Taylor, running against incumbent Sam Farr for California's 17th District of the U.S. House of Representatives, began last night's debate. Farr did not attend the debate, so Taylor sat alone at the table and introduced himself as a conservative family man who plans to spearhead education, immigration and the economy.

"Our society was built on Judeo-Christian values and I think some of those values have been lost," Taylor said. "People who listen with their hearts and get behind me, we'll make a dent. We may not win, but if not this year, then in three."

Curtis Cartier
Curtis Cartier covers the City of Hollister and public safety for the Free Lance. Reach him at (831) 637-5566 or email him.