San Benito County community gathers to discuss pros and cons of Measure A

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Some local farmers and residents gathered to protest measure A.

It's a measure that could reshape land use decisions in San Benito County.

Local farmers in tractors spent early Saturday parading up and down Hollister to protest the measure.

Measure A will allow voters to have the opportunity to change the way land use decisions are made in San Benito County. 

However local farmers are concerned.

"Measure A will restrict what farmers and ranchers are able to do with their property that will restrict their ability to raise funds," Donald Wirz President of San Benito County Farm Bureau said. "It'll also restrict smart growth throughout the county, which will impact the finances for for the county."

Supporters argue this measure will impact the quality of life and community.

"I believe measure will impact the residents of San Benito County in a positive way," Julio Rodriguez a supporter of Measure A said. "It will bring developers, real estate industry, the landowners, it will bring them all to the table and kind of incorporate the entire community."

While opponents warn that Measure A could lead to significant financial consequences for the county including cuts to vital services like public safety and infrastructure.

Local farmers are particularly concerned about the impact of Measure A on agriculture, fearing it could further threaten their livelihoods.

"Farmers are ranchers are concerned because it cuts down on their property rights," Wirz said. "It doesn't control the urban growth that's coming from the city of Hollister and it restricts what they're able to do with their with their property."

Supporters of Measure A argue it will give residents a voice in development decisions, preventing overdevelopment that they say has plagued other counties.

"In the last 10 or 15 years, growth has negatively impacted this community," Rodriguez said. "We have a hospital bed that could possibly be sold because of lack of planning we have four or five high school bonds because of lack of responsible growth and we have roads that are in complete disrepair."

Measure A will be on the upcoming ballot this November 5th, early voting is already underway.