Five Candidates Seeking San Benito County District 2 Supervisor Seat

A big race in San Benito County is for District 2 Supervisor after current supervisor is set to retire.

"It's a huge district geographically, its diverse in terms of attitude, in terms of issues that are important. There are a couple things that really sort of cross all the boundaries. One is infrastructure and fixing the roads and the other is economic development. people know that we need jobs in this county if we're ever going to do anything serious about stopping the commuters were going to need to have more jobs," says Wayne Norton.

Some of the biggest problems in the county according to Wayne Norton... and may others agree.

"Yes, I think the concern over our roads and traffic the commute situation that we have out of Hollister especially both going south and north we have a lot of people who come from Hollister who work in Monterey so they're heading south and you have a lot of people who are working in Santa Clara county and north so the 25 highway 25 is constantly impacted," says Valerie Egland.

The biggest measure in the county is Measure K which would establish zoning regulations for development with the regional commercial district along the Highway 101 corridor.

"So, Measure K I think its a big measure happening right now in San Benito county... and I think right now in reviewing the revenue here in San Benito County which is about $38 million dollars in our general fund and about a third of that is going to probation, juvenile hall, and our jail system and I want to make sure that we actually have some tax revenue coming in for our youth, seniors and our families," says Frank Barragan.

For candidate Kollin Kosmicki -- he has a different plan.

"Well, I'm the only candidate in the race who's consistently talked about the need to slow down the pace of growth while we focus on the roads. I have very specific ideas for solutions," says Kosmicki.

Those include maintaining adequate funding for the roads and working state leaders to make sure projects stay on schedule and are streamlined.

"I don't think adding a rest stop on 101 is going to deter our small town vibe at all in fact i think it will help bring.. this town is dependent on tourism and tourism trade," says John Freeman.

Measure K also offers the potential for more money for the county.

"In our county we tend to generate our tax revenue through housing and this is actually an option for us to generate a different type of tax revenue by having commercial zones. So, I really hope they think about this and really consider our county really needs this tax revenue to really improve our services and our infrastructure," says Frank Barragan.

For some candidates, representation in the county has been a big motivator.

"Getting into the process of candidacy for District 2 was a deep thinking for myself and I think we really needed a voice of a woman on the board. We lost Margie Barrios a couple of years ago and to me the Board of Supervisors has not been the same since." says Valerie Egland.

For others, including Frank Barragan, water is a big talking point.

"In San Juan Batista in particular there are lot of concerns about water quality now it is a municipal water system and we've had some issues with our wells for quite a while and the city continues to work on that but I also think that if San Juan can't find a solution that works, I do believe the county needs to get involved and we have to start working on that now," says Kosmicki.

Water -- a topic of expertise for John Freeman and Wayne Norton who's an elected director of the Aromas water board.

"I have a background in industrial water treatment and water technology and I would like to think I was a big part of the city to drill two new wells and hook it up to the water system and solve [the problem]. The water is now safe to drink," says Freeman.

Overall, many changes are coming to District 2 in what some say is an exciting time.

"I think San Benito county is at a crossroads I'm really optimistic about our future I think we have an opportunity to bring high paying jobs to this county I think we have the opportunity to be a place where entrepreneurs looking to create the next big thing can come here i think businesses in Santa Clara county whoa re looking to expand can come here and i think that investment will result in jobs," concludes Wayne Norton.

Something that would benefit the county, as right now nearly 60% of working residents are leaving the county for employment.