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OPINION
> EDITORIALS
Thumbs up, thumbs down: Forums highlight spirit
THUMBS UP: It's hard not to notice there are three open seats on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, and that's a good thing. The most recent example, or examples, of this area's dedication to and awareness of civic activism has been the set of forums at which candidates for the open seats have spoken to the public. There was one Sunday in Aromas, the long-running farm bureau gathering at Hollister City Hall was Tuesday, and another forum hosted by the League of United Latin American Citizens is set for Monday. We commend the candidates for taking part and the citizens who attended. Above all, the forums have given all citizens opportunities to learn more about their potential leaders if they so choose.
THUMBS DOWN: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Clear Creek Management Area has closed for seasons in the past. But the recent announcement by the federal department of a temporary, indefinite closure leaves the impression it likely will last for at least two years - as the agency stated is possible - and the recreation area's doors could be shut even longer. It's too bad considering Clear Creek is yet another attraction to tout among San Benito County's range of outdoor offerings, but the move was apparently necessary, in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's finding that the area had asbestos levels above the acceptable risk range for cancers. While the EPA had no choice, we urge the agency to respond expeditiously and get Clear Creek opened again as soon as possible.
THUMBS DOWN: Tom Perata, the Democratic State Senate president who launched the recall effort against Sen. Jeff Denham, made the right decision to drop his involvement in the very campaign he started. Still, at this point in the game, it's apparent that he's merely trying to save face and salvage his own political reputation. He said it's time to put politics aside, but it was Perata who turned the recall process - a tainted version of it - into a game of political payback. It wasn't just at Denham's expense. Ultimately, it was at the expense of everybody - including Perata and taxpayers whose representatives were busy wasting time campaigning for an unreasonable recall. Ironically, the winner might end up being Denham, who's been poised to run for lietenant governor, and all the short-lived race has done has shone a bright light toward the principles on which he thrives.
The Free Lance Editorial Board
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