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Hollister resident Priscilla de Anda is running against incumbent Tim Burns for Hollister City Council District 4.
Priscilla de Anda (37) has lived in Hollister all her life and is an instructional program specialist at Gavilan College. If she wins the seat this will be her first elected position.
1. Why are you running for office?
I am running as a grassroots, lifelong resident who genuinely cares about this town and this community. Like the rest of the community, I am frustrated with the key issues impacting our quality of life. This has motivated me to be the voice of the people who feel they are not being heard, listened to, or represented by our current council. If elected, I will fight to bring transparency to the council while working to improve the quality of life for our community.
2. Many new businesses trying to set up in Hollister have trouble with permits and red tape. How can this be made easier?
Helping businesses be successful here and coming to Hollister to invest in our community should be one of the highest priorities for the council to focus on. When businesses are successful, they can add much-needed revenue to our city’s budget and local jobs to our community. I believe successful businesses start with the support of successful city leadership, and a modernized, streamlined application process could help create a more business-friendly environment in Hollister, encouraging growth and innovation.
3. The city council has had contentious meetings in the past and while disagreements and debate is part of the political process, how can you work to see that this council will behave in a more cordial way to each other and to the public?
As a city councilmember, I will always act with integrity. I will listen to understand, and encourage my fellow councilmembers to do the same. The work of serving our community can only be achieved when we act professionally and in collaboration.
4. There is a push from the state for municipalities to use vehicles fueled by renewable and/or clean energy. What can the city do to bring more electric and hydrogen cell fuel stations to Hollister?
The city is currently focused on building more electric vehicle charging stations in our community. Building more electric vehicle charging stations is helpful to the environment and has been proven to promote economic development. If we have places for people to charge their cars while traveling, they can stop here to charge and help boost the local economy while visiting.
We live in one of the most beautiful, agriculturally rich areas in the country. We should focus on attracting as many visitors here to visit the surrounding national and state parks. If we continue to build charging stations, that will help boost the economy, protect the environment, and support locals who do not have the means to charge their vehicles at home.
5. The traffic crossing from Clearview onto Sunnyslope and Clearview onto Hillcrest takes a long time as traffic on Sunnyslope and Hillcrest is continuous. Can the city put traffic lights at these intersections?
The underlying issue here is the building of so many houses without the proper infrastructure. Infrastructure the city has neglected by waiving millions of dollars in tax fees on developers, that should go back into our city. I have always thought there should be a traffic light at the intersection of Memorial and Hillcrest because a lot of kids cross that intersection without adult supervision. Not only would this mitigate the flow of traffic at a busy intersection, but it would ensure safe crossing for pedestrians.
Tim Burns (71) has lived in the district for 11 years, and on and off for more than 26 years. He has held the seat since 2020. Before retiring, Burns was the code enforcement division chief of the County of Monterey Resource Management Agency.
1. Why are you running for office?
Because I am the most qualified to hold the position. I have the greatest depth of experience. I have no agenda. I will do the right thing for the right reason which is because it is the right thing to do. Additionally, there are certain projects that have begun during my time as the council member for District 4 that I would like to see to completion such as the right-sizing of the Fire Service Contract to ensure that all jurisdictions involved are paying their fair share.
2. Many new businesses trying to set up in Hollister have trouble with permits and red tape. How can this be made easier?
I would propose creating a Community Development Department Ombudsman position to address these types of situations. If the volume warranted it , it could be a new position; if not, it could be another duty assigned to an existing staff member. Development can be very complicated. Greater collaboration with the Hollister Downtown Association and San Benito Chamber of Commerce on this matter should also be considered.
Finally, the City of Hollister is currently recruiting an Economic Development Manager who can assist in eliminating the red tape and rolling out the red carpet and welcome sign to new businesses.
3. The city council has had contentious meetings in the past, and while disagreements and debate are part of the political process, how can you work to see that this council will behave in a more cordial way to each other and to the public.
First, easier said than done. If the past and present is any reflection of the future I am not sure we will ever achieve a cordial atmosphere.
Approximately five years ago I started the public conversation about a code of conduct for appointed and elected officials. As a council member I was able to sponsor the creation of a code of conduct that was adopted by the past and present council. I was hopeful this would be enough, however, sadly, it was not.
Subsequently this council has amended the current code of conduct to impose harsher penalties on habitual offenders. All council members acknowledge and agree to behave in compliance with the code. When council members regularly violate the code they must be held to the letter of the code, not the spirit. Unless there are real consequences I seriously doubt anything will change in the next two years. I will continue to abide by the code of conduct while I am a member of the city council.
4. There is a push from the state for municipalities to use vehicles fueled by renewable and or clean energy. What can the city do to bring more electric and hydrogen cell fuel stations to Hollister?
As the city continues to grow we can encourage commercial developers to include these types of fueling stations in their development plans. Perhaps there is also a way to incentivize existing businesses as well. We are seeing them in certain shopping centers now. This is certainly something that can be discussed with the new Economic Development Manager once they are hired.
We should also explore and aggressively pursue grant opportunities. As part of our city manager’s compensation, the council has authorized for him to be provided with use of an electric vehicle for city business. We need to lead by actions, not just through words. We need to commit to using these vehicles and allocate for them through the budget process.
5. The traffic crossing from Clearview on to Sunnyslope and Clearview onto Hillcrest takes a long time, as the traffic on Sunnyslope and Hillcrest is continuous. Can the city put traffic lights at these intersections?
To install traffic lights would require that an engineering traffic study be completed, and if it was warranted, that the city budget for the installation. Traffic lights are very expensive so it could take some time to happen, but yes it is possible.
Approximately a month ago I spoke with the City Manager regarding the intersection of Hillcrest and Clearview after a concern was expressed by one of my constituents who is disabled and relies on a wheelchair to travel the sidewalks and roads. He expressed how difficult it is to cross Hillcrest. Initially I requested that a crosswalk be installed. The conversation has shifted to making the intersection a four-way stop which I wholeheartedly support.
Additionally I requested that the City create a Disability Advisory Committee to address mobility and other disability related concerns. I am encouraged that this will happen in the near future. I will look into the need for additional traffic measures at Clearview and Sunnyslope. I understand the risks and recognize the concerns given the proximity to Sunnyslope Elementary School.
Editor’s Note: On Sept. 28 Tim Burns attended BenitoLink’s election forum. See video below.
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