Two incumbent supervisors and a longtime school trustee swept through their respective county board races Tuesday, ending a campaign cycle in which most candidates focused sharply on economic development while voters turned out in low numbers in the absence of a presidential primary.
Perhaps the most impressive performance of the night - at least in numbers - came from District 1 Supervisor-elect Margie Barrios. In unofficially succeeding Supervisor Don Marcus, she captured 54.6 percent of votes against two other candidates and will forego a runoff on her way to an early victory because she gained more than the majority needed.
Barrios credited her opponents for what she called a "clean and honest campaign" and said she will be ready as a first-term supervisor. She noted how she has attended every county board meeting since she pulled election candidacy papers Jan. 18.
She also acknowledged that the economy played a major role in all three races and likely weighed heavily on voters' minds.
"I think we're in an era, a crossroads for San Benito County, where we really don't have a choice," Barrios said. "We have to make sure we put it out there in the front. We have to make decisions where we do bring businesses into this community."
Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz, who raised the most money among the seven candidates, got his wish to be "re-hired" by District 5 voters and captured 61.2 percent of the votes in District 5 against Marian Cruz's 38.6 percent. District 2 Supervisor Anthony Botelho also scored a comfortable victory by gaining 57.4 percent of votes against challenger Anthony Freitas' 42.4 percent, slightly closer than his 18-point landslide in 2004.
Voters were decisive, yet showed up in low numbers as the local turnout was 26.4 percent, compared to a slightly lower number statewide.
Brians in particular harped on the turnout, while partially blaming the Legislature for moving California's Democratic presidential primary to February.
"Perhaps the saddest result of this evening's vote, and this is not just in this race, but in all races, is the horrendous level of voter apathy."
Head elections official Joe Paul Gonzalez also attributed the local turnout dip to the lock-down Tuesday at Cerra Vista Elementary School, one of the polling places. Police requested the action during a standoff three blocks away with a man suspected of shooting his mother in the face Sunday. Gonzalez's office responded by placing an "election rover" at the school to redirect citizens to San Benito County Courthouse as an alternate voting site.
Freitas called the District 2 polling site lock-down "unfortunate" and said some supporters with kids at the school even phoned him to apologize they couldn't vote because their kids were traumatized.
Even with a disappointing day and only a slight improvement over his loss in 2004, Freitas hinted he might try again in 2012.
"I hope Mr. Botelho does a good job for the county, and we're just going to move on," the longtime orchardist said. "Maybe I'll come back in another four years. "I don't think I had any mistakes. I know I did a good campaign."
Botelho said Tuesday his No. 1 priority is creating jobs and that officials must set goals and continue to strive for them.
"We ran a very positive campaign, and I'm ready to stay focused going forward," Botelho said.
Botelho noted that although competition between the two had been heated at times, he "harbored no grudges" and said he valued the campaign process for its effect on his leadership.
"I appreciate the fact (Freitas) ran for county supervisor," Botelho said. "Not many people have the guts to do it, and I think it makes me a better supervisor by going through the democratic process."
De La Cruz from his election party at the Broken Wing on Tuesday reiterated that same theme - a push for furthering economic development - in talking about his aspirations for the next four years.
"There's a clear indication we need to move forward and start adding economic development to the county," said De La Cruz, who had just shared the results with family and supporters.
De La Cruz said that in his campaign he emphasized "reaching out to voters" and looking for consensus on important issues.
"Hard work really is very important to represent the public," he said.
Flores-Voropaeff, though she finished third in District 1, also stressed a need to boost the local economy. The downtown business owner recited the message she sent to supporters and said stimulating business growth could alleviate the tough financial times for many locals.
"I'm hoping to convince the city and county that with a little help and teamwork, we can all ride out this recession and build for a greater 2009."
Cruz did not return phone calls to the Free Lance before press time.
Free Lance staff writer Curtis Cartier contributed to this report.
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.
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Students warm up for school
