THUMBS UP: San Benito County needs an economic whiz to help attract new businesses to the area, and it appears the Economic Development Corp. has found the right person. The EDC this week announced the hiring of Nancy Martin, who most recently ran a Southern California consulting business and prior to that worked in redevelopment for the City of Corona. She was the No. 1 finalist and had separated herself from the pack. She also has a strong reputation for having connections and a broad scope of knowledge. So it's a good thing she's coming here, and we're excited, once she gets her feet wet, to see what she can do.
THUMBS DOWN: The county last week fired Public Works Director Jerry Lo. The former official, however, was placed on leave Monday until December, after which he'll receive a six-month severance package - it's built into his contract. The question here is why county leaders who work out such contracts are agreeing to such irresponsible terms. So now, and likely again if officials don't fix the problem, taxpayers will sacrifice tens of thousands of dollars to someone, with zero return, who's no longer serving the county.
THUMBS DOWN: Hollister not only lost more than $96,000 to this point on 2008 rally merchandise - they're trying to offset the loss through liquidation - but this week City Manager Clint Quilter revealed that the municipality is slated to lose $119,000 on law enforcement costs.
Quilter said the security price tag increased by nearly $30,000 over 2007 to $359,000. Considering the promoter owed $200,000 and the city made $40,000 in licensing revenue, it leaves the additional $119,000 cost.
This was a no-win situation to begin with, and officials must make major changes if the rally has any hope of continuing as a sanctioned event.
Look for a more in-depth editorial Tuesday on the city's 2008 rally deficit.
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Highlights from the Prune Bowl now available
