Salinas Mayor announces run for Monterey County Supervisor

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) Supervisor John Phillips announced on Wednesday that he is not running for another term as Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 2022. Instead, he's supporting Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig as his successor for District 2.

During a press conference, Craig said despite this announcement she would continue to complete her term as mayor through November 2022.

"I hope to work with the new mayor in the same spirit of cooperation that has been the hallmark of my relationship with John Phillips to the benefit of North County and Salinas," Craig said.

Mayor Craig pointed out a number of issues plaguing District 2, which includes parts Las Lomas, Moss Landing, Castroville, Prunedale and parts of Salinas including the Bolsa Knolls area.

She said she will ultimately bring her focus to traffic and road concerns in north county. She brought up the idea of working with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office on a plan to deal with noise complaints in rural communities.

"North county needs strong representation and I've work with Supervisor Phillips for that representation over the last decade," said Craig. "My heart is in Salinas but my heart grows even bigger for north county."

Mayor Craig took over the Salinas mayoral seat after the unexpected passing of Mayor Joe Gunter who died in June 2020.