I found the Hollister Free Lance newspaper's endorsement of Victor Gomez for the City Council District 5 race confusing and wonder why the consistent track record of David Huboi as a Planning Commissioner and community volunteer was overlooked. In my 30 years of experience working for/with city councils, the best predictor of how someone will handle the job as city council member is how they have conducted themselves in their service in similar positions.
David Huboi has attended every Planning Commission or General Plan Advisory Committee meeting on time and well prepared. From his thoughtful questions, it's clear he has always studied the agenda packet carefully, even if it's a three-inch thick insomnia-killer like the environmental impact report for Award Homes. He is an attentive listener to public comments. Check the meeting minutes or watch a meeting on CMAP and you'll see that his motions for action include the comments raised by citizens.
David is a business owner who knows how to read and negotiate contracts. I'd like to have a Council member who knows how to deal with the corner of 4th and San Benito Streets - why do we seem to be stuck in a development agreement with a developer who doesn't feel like developing the hotel, while Sheraton is building one a half mile away?
Have you admired the updating of our historic Vets Building? You can thank David - he was the architect in charge of the renovation, a monumental effort preserving this legacy for future generations. I'd like a Council member who knows how to handle big capital projects.
The availability of the Leatherback property is exciting, but I haven't heard any mention of the toxic cleanup. I'd like a council member who knows the law about property owner responsibilities on toxics, will ask the right questions, and make sure it's addressed in the city contracts.
The General Plan update required an update of the zoning ordinance with complex "performance zoning," developed over the past six months. David was on the General Plan Advisory Committee prior to Planning Commission. With the Building Moratorium lifting in a few months and the annual limit on housing units, developers are already lining up to get their quota. I'd like a Council member who understands the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the design aspects of the performance zoning so we don't get ugly new development.
The City of Hollister budget is $30-plus million, and covers 150 employees. David's hard work twice - on the Measure U and Measure T Committees - meant poring over the Hollister budget with a fine-tooth comb to understand the city's limited options for generating revenues and the impact of budget cuts on specific services. I'd like a Council member who has managed a budget larger than a pizza franchise with a dozen part time teenager employees.
With all due respects to Mr. Gomez and Deputy Roy Iler, I haven't seen their track record of participation in local civic organizations. I encourage them to follow Councilwoman Eugenia Sanchez's example - she directed an organization with a $15 million budget and hundreds of employees as a school board member before jumping to council. Hollister has some critical decisions in the next four years - I hope District 5 will vote for the candidate with the most knowledge and experience. That candidate is David Huboi.
Jennifer Coile, Hollister
Perry for water district
Dear Editor,
Ken Perry is doing his job and doing it well.
I served on the water board with Ken Perry; I know first hand that he is thoughtful, contemplative and very professional when making decisions. Ken Perry doesn't spout off with nonsensical verbiage. He listens, thinks and then votes. Most importantly he works well with others. This job requires a person who can do that.
Our county needs him to continue the project that he is currently working on, both an agriculture and an urban reuse and recycling project. He has also put into place several water conserving projects, while at the same time was instrumental in the completion of the wastewater treatment plant, which removed the growth moratorium. I urge you to vote for Ken Perry on Nov. 4.
PS.: My favorite aspect about Ken is not backed by any special interest group, and never has been.
Marci Huston, San Benito County
West for hospital board
Dear Editor,
I support Jim West for the hospital board in this election. Please vote for him. I have worked with Jim with the San Juan Bautista Rotary and Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation. Jim is not afraid to work for the good of the people. Please throw your support behind him this election period.
Kim Du Pont, San Juan Bautista
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