Editor’s note: This article was updated to correct what regions are part of the district. BenitoLink’s 2024 Primary Election coverage can be found below. Assembly District 29 candidates did not respond to BenitoLink’s questions. Lea este articulo en español aquÃ.
BenitoLink recently sent questions to the four candidates running for 17th District state Senate seat. Incumbent John Laird and candidate Eric Tao responded to the inquiry. There was no response from candidates Tony Virrueta and Michael Oxford.
Senate District 17 includes all of Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Benito counties.
John Laird, 73, has been living in Santa Cruz since 1968. He served nine years on the Santa Cruz City Council, including two terms as Mayor, eight years as a Cabrillo Community College trustee, and six years in the state Assembly. He is in his fourth year in the state Senate and also served as California’s secretary for natural resources for eight years under Gov. Jerry Brown.
BenitoLink: Why are you running for the 17th District seat?
I want to bring my experience, energy and skills to address the needs of the 17th Senate District. In the course of my career, I have been a congressional assistant, county budget analyst, city council member and mayor, transportation commissioner, non-profit director, community college board member, state assembly member, state cabinet secretary, and just began my fourth year in the state senate.
In my three years thus far in the Senate, the governor has signed 46 bills I have authored. They range from formally recognizing the state’s fire prevention efforts to planning for sea-level rise, setting goals for the state’s climate change efforts, protecting the rights for children of fallen officers, and much more.
I was instrumental in addressing many issues affecting my district: support for K-12 education, making sure there were state resources available for recovery from the atmospheric river storms, helping guide resources for dealing with homeless residents, and making sure that local projects in many areas garner state support.
I want to continue to work for the district and the state meeting our challenges.
Redistricting moved San Benito County from the mostly agricultural 14th district to the mostly coastal 17th district. How do the challenges in the county fit into your legislative priorities?
Despite the appearance that San Benito County might be different from much of the existing 17th District because it is rural and has small towns, the City of Hollister is—population-wise—in the middle of the population range for the 21 cities currently in the district. San Benito County is also very similar to some of the more rural areas in the current district. I have tried to recognize this in my work.
A significant piece of San Benito County is agricultural. I was instrumental in restoring the UC Cooperative Agricultural Extension, which helps small farmers with water, as well as pest and crop science. I was also instrumental in significant support for the four CSU agricultural colleges, which serve as a pipeline for trained agricultural workers. And with my expertise in water issues, I have been working to make sure state water programs are in place for rural Californians.
When we had budget surpluses, I made sure my district was fairly represented with support from the state for local needs. I intend to continue with those efforts. I will work with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to make sure that San Benito County gets its fair share of state programs.
According to the 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, approximately 61% of the county’s workforce is commuting to jobs outside the county. If elected, how will you encourage job growth here?
This is an issue for all of the communities surrounding Silicon Valley, many of which are in this Senate district. If unaddressed, there are transportation, air quality, and loss of agricultural land issues. Much of the decision-making is in the local government’s hands. I would work to make sure that the programs at the state level coordinate with local governments to address these issues and provide resources when possible.
The financial problems of Hazel Hawkins Hospital, as well as other hospitals in the state, underline the vulnerability of local medical services. What are the best ways to guarantee continuity of medical care within the county?
I strongly support the continuation of Hazel Hawkins Hospital as the primary hospital care provider for the San Benito County region. Two years ago, I was instrumental in the saving of Watsonville Hospital, which is in the Senate district I represent. Similar to Hazel Hawkins, Watsonville Hospital is the only primary hospital care provider for the immediate region.
I authored a bill, with Speaker Rivas’ support, that created a public hospital district in the Pajaro Valley, a bill that passed in less than three weeks. When the hospital district was days old, the bankruptcy court accepted the new district’s bid for ownership. I was then active in the six-month campaign to raise $65 million, for which Speaker Rivas and I got a substantial contribution from the state. I was very pleased with that effort—it was done in public, there was a transparent accounting of the hospital’s finances, there was strong and unified public support, and local governments, nonprofits and businesses were strong partners in the campaign. At the legislative level, we then secured financial help for distressed hospitals, and both Hazel Hawkins and Watsonville benefitted. The lessons we learned from Watsonville need to be applied to Hazel Hawkins. I stand ready to continue to be a partner in the campaign to keep it open and running sustainably.
Many residents want to protect agricultural land and open space in the county. If elected, how will you help your district balance that with residential—especially low-income—and commercial development?
As with other similar places in California, there has to be a balance between the protection of prime agricultural land and open space and having an urban footprint (for economic and housing reasons). As secretary for natural resources, I was instrumental in the creation of the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Program, which provides state support for local agricultural conservation easements. Those easements preserve prime agricultural land and give farmers financial help that deals with generational transfers and keeping land in agricultural use. Despite state budget problems, we have to preserve that program as a tool for local governments, farmers and land trusts.
On the residential side, the state needs to be a partner in helping incentivize affordable housing. Market-rate housing seems to be doing fine in many regions, but the financial incentives to provide affordable units are the challenge. As Assembly Budget Committee Chair, I was a leader in getting a housing bond on the ballot, which after its passage led to 50,000 new affordable housing units in California. We need to continue to build on those efforts.
There is a statewide shortage of law enforcement officers and firefighters. If elected, how will you leverage funds to increase staffing for those agencies?
The state needs to do more to assist local governments, which have to rely on their own resources for competitive salaries and benefits for public safety personnel. Despite current challenges with the state budget, creating new initiatives should be a goal for when the state has the resources to help.
Eric Tao, 60, is an economic development director and computer science professor at CSU Monterey Bay. He has lived in Salinas and Carmel and has never served in elected office.
Why are you running for the 17th District seat?
I am running for the state Senate to bring a brighter California for us and the next generation, specifically, I will protect our property rights and repeal Proposition 19, ensure public safety in our communities and support law enforcement, support excellence in education and parents’ rights, reduce taxes and ensure the state government spends the tax dollar wisely and carefully.
California is at a pivotal moment, and it’s time for a new direction. We face rampant crime, uncontrolled homelessness and radical indoctrination in schools. The skyrocketing cost of living and taxes, coupled with one-party dominance in legislation and layers of burdensome regulations leaves our residents and businesses anxious about the future of our state and district. It’s clear we need a new vision and a different approach to governance. We need A Brighter California.
As your state senator, I will leverage my extensive experience in innovation, technology and community development to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I eagerly anticipate engaging in meaningful conversations with you, understanding your concerns and working tirelessly to bring about positive change.
Redistricting moved San Benito County from the mostly agricultural 14th district to the mostly coastal 17th district. How do the challenges in the county fit into your legislative priorities?
As your next state senator, I recognize that San Benito faces distinct challenges from other parts of the district related to issues like water access, infrastructure, farmworker rights and maintaining the economic sustainability of the local agriculture industry.
My legislative agenda gives priority to policies that will benefit both inland and coastal regions—investing in water storage and delivery methods that provide for all communities, improving rural access to healthcare and education and advocating for immigrant workers’ rights. I support measures that help our family farms scale sustainably while conserving land and natural resources.
While diverse geographically, the 17th District shares an appreciation for the environment, history and natural beauty across San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties. As your senator, I will leverage our common values to enact policy solutions that help uplift the entire region. I am committed to budget decisions and legislation that address the specific needs of both the inland and the coastal areas within our district.
According to the 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, approximately 61% of the county’s workforce is commuting to jobs outside the county. If elected, how will you encourage job growth here?
As the state senator of District 17, my approach to encouraging job growth will be multifaceted.
I will champion initiatives that support local businesses and entrepreneurs. This includes advocating for incentives and resources that empower small businesses, the backbone of our local economy. By providing tax breaks, streamlining regulations and offering targeted financial support, we can stimulate the growth of local enterprises, creating more job opportunities within the county.
I will also collaborate with educational institutions and industry leaders to develop workforce training programs aligned with the needs of local businesses. Investing in education and skill development ensures that our workforce is equipped with the expertise required by emerging industries, attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones.
Infrastructure development will be a key focus as improved transportation and utilities attract businesses to set up operations locally. By working to enhance our infrastructure, we can create an environment conducive to economic growth, making our county an appealing destination for businesses seeking strategic locations.
I will advocate for strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, fostering innovation hubs and technology parks. These collaborative spaces can serve as incubators for startups and tech-driven enterprises, fostering job creation in cutting-edge industries.
In conclusion, my commitment is to enact policies that stimulate local business growth, invest in education and workforce development, improve infrastructure, and cultivate an environment where innovation thrives. By addressing these pillars, I aim to reduce the high percentage of commuters and usher in a new era of economic prosperity for San Benito County.
The financial problems of Hazel Hawkins Hospital, as well as other hospitals in the state, underline the vulnerability of local medical services. What are the best ways to guarantee continuity of medical care within the county?
In my campaign for the state Senate District 17, I recognize the pressing need to address the financial challenges faced by hospitals, including the notable case of Hazel Hawkins Hospital. These challenges underscore the vulnerability of local medical services and the importance of securing the continuity of health care for our residents. Here is a range of strategies to ensure uninterrupted access to medical care within our district.
Increasing Financial Support: One of our primary strategies involves advocating for increased financial support for our local hospitals. By collaborating with state and federal authorities, we aim to secure additional funding to relieve the financial pressures these institutions face.
Promoting Public-Private Partnerships: Exploring public-private partnerships is a promising avenue that can help us achieve financial stability while preserving the accessibility and quality of health care services. These partnerships can attract private sector investments and expertise while ensuring that public interests in equitable health care access are upheld.
Harnessing Telemedicine: The adoption and promotion of telemedicine are essential components of our health care plan. This technology-driven approach enhances accessibility, particularly in remote areas, and reduces the strain on our physical health care facilities, guaranteeing continuous care.
Strengthening Community Health Clinics: Investing in community health clinics is a cost-effective means of delivering essential health care services to underserved populations within our district. These clinics will play a crucial role in handling routine and preventive care, alleviating the burden on hospitals.
Expanding Health Insurance Coverage: We are committed to making health insurance more accessible to our residents. This includes advocating for Medicaid expansion and the establishment of state-based insurance options, which will alleviate the financial burden on our hospitals.
Prioritizing Preventive Care and Education and Championing Healthcare Innovation: Our health care plan should emphasize preventive care and health care education to significantly reduce emergency cases. This approach not only eases the financial pressure on our hospitals but also improves the overall health of our community. We are committed to encouraging the adoption of innovative health care technologies and practices to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in care delivery within our district.
The challenges faced by our local hospitals highlight the urgency of a comprehensive approach to health care continuity within state Senate District 17. By implementing these strategies, I aim to ensure the uninterrupted availability of health care services for the residents of our district.
Many residents want to protect agricultural land and open space in the county. If elected, how will you help your district balance that with residential—especially low income—and commercial development?
As the next state senator for San Benito, I understand the importance of preserving our agricultural land and open spaces, which are vital to our community’s identity and well-being. At the same time, I recognize the pressing need for more residential housing, particularly affordable options, and the development of commercial spaces to boost our local economy. If elected, here’s my plan to strike a balance between these crucial needs:
Community-Centered Planning: I will prioritize a land use plan that reflects our community’s voice. This plan will clearly outline areas for farming, open spaces, homes, and businesses. Your input will be essential in shaping this plan, ensuring it meets our environmental, economic and social goals.
Embracing Sustainable Development: My focus will be on smart growth strategies. This means we’ll build in a way that makes the best use of our available space, combining places to live, work and play. Improving public transport will also be key to reducing our reliance on cars and protecting our open spaces.
Support for Land Preservation: I will work to provide incentives to those who keep their land dedicated to agriculture or as open spaces. These incentives could include tax benefits or grants to help maintain and sustain these lands.
Affordable Housing Solutions: Addressing the housing crisis, especially for low-income families, is a priority. I plan to advocate for zoning changes in selected areas to allow more high-density, affordable housing and seek partnerships to fund these projects. A portion of new housing developments will be reserved for those with lower incomes.
Economic Diversity and Support: While we cherish our agricultural roots, diversifying our economy is also crucial. I will support industries that complement our farming sector, providing more job opportunities and strengthening our local economy.
Responsible Development Practices: Every new development will undergo thorough environmental assessments to ensure minimal impact on our natural and agricultural areas.
Keeping You Informed and Involved: I will hold regular community meetings and use online platforms to keep you informed and involved in decisions that affect our lands.
Ongoing Review and Adjustment: I commit to regularly reviewing the impacts of our development policies, and making necessary adjustments to ensure we are on the right track.
Balancing development with the preservation of our cherished agricultural lands and open spaces is not just a policy issue, it’s about maintaining the heart and soul of our community. With your support and involvement, I am confident we can achieve this balance for the betterment of District 17.
There is a statewide shortage of law enforcement officers and firefighters. If elected, how will you leverage funds to increase staffing for those agencies?
Addressing the statewide shortage of law enforcement officers and firefighters is a critical issue that requires a strategic and well-considered approach. If elected, here are the key strategies I would pursue to leverage funds and increase staffing for these essential agencies:
Targeted Funding Allocation: Prioritize the allocation of existing state funds toward the recruitment and training of law enforcement officers and firefighters. This would involve a detailed review of the state budget to identify areas where funds can be reallocated or efficiencies can be gained, thereby freeing up resources for public safety.
Grants and Federal Assistance: Actively seek federal grants and assistance programs dedicated to public safety staffing. This includes applying for funds from programs like the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants and the Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program, which are specifically designed to support the hiring of firefighters and law enforcement officers.
Public-Private Partnerships: Explore partnerships with private entities that have a vested interest in community safety. Such partnerships can provide additional funding or resources for training and recruiting personnel in law enforcement and firefighting services.
Incentive Programs for Recruitment and Retention: Develop incentive programs to attract and retain talent in these fields. This could include signing bonuses, competitive salaries, enhanced benefits packages and opportunities for career advancement. Incentives could also be targeted toward encouraging service in understaffed or high-need areas.
Streamlining Recruitment Processes: Work toward streamlining the recruitment process to make it more efficient and less time-consuming, without compromising on the quality and thoroughness of the selection and training processes. This could involve simplifying application procedures, enhancing marketing and outreach efforts, and utilizing technology to expedite various stages of the recruitment process.
Investment in Training and Equipment: Ensure that law enforcement and firefighting agencies have access to state-of-the-art training and equipment. This not only improves the effectiveness of these services but also makes these careers more attractive to potential recruits.
Community Engagement and Awareness: Increase community awareness about the importance and value of careers in law enforcement and firefighting. This can be achieved through community outreach programs, educational campaigns and partnerships with educational institutions.
Addressing the shortage of law enforcement officers and firefighters is not just about increasing numbers, it’s about ensuring that we have a well-trained, well-equipped and motivated workforce dedicated to the safety and well-being of our communities. My approach focuses on sustainable, long-term solutions that recognize the importance and value of these vital public services.
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