This public letter was contributed by San Benito County resident, Heather Bluhm. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aqui.
In September 2025, Supervisor Ignacio Velazquez publicly labeled the recall effort against him a “scam.” According to the Oxford Dictionary, a scam is “a dishonest scheme to gain money or possessions fraudulently,” or alternatively, “a story or rumor.”
The recall effort, organized by Safer San Benito, is not designed to raise money or obtain possessions. If anything, the Supervisor’s characterization suggests he views the recall as a “story or rumor”, a claim that stands in stark contrast to the documented concerns repeatedly raised during meetings by the residents who brought this recall.
After losing his 2022 mayoral bid in Hollister to Mia Casey, Velazquez has frequently attributed the city’s long-term challenges, from budget deficits to development issues, to Mia Casey, refusing any responsibility despite his 10 years in office. That pattern of deflection has continued into his tenure as a county supervisor. At nearly every meeting he accuses some resident of spreading misinformation and dismisses the concerns they bring.
Following his election to represent a district in which his residency was questioned, Velazquez faced scrutiny from the Elections Office, the District Attorney, and the public. At first he claimed “everyone does it,” but, ultimately he purchased a home within the district. Soon after, he participated in a backroom deal that pushed for approval of a controversial fire services contract that placed a disproportionate financial burden on city residents, despite the majority of service calls originating in unincorporated areas which have seen massive housing growth in the past decade.
In fact this contract was simply a rehash of the 2019 fire contract, which then Mayor Velazquez had voted against, claiming it would end up costing Hollister millions to subsidize the county. Yet now he claims that it is not true, that the costs are the fire departments’ fault. Reports from those involved in negotiations describe a process marked by hostility and pressure, particularly toward firefighters.
At the same time, Velazquez and allied supervisors advanced plans for a separate county fire department; an effort critics argue would have cost significantly more than the county just paying their share of the contract. They used this plan as leverage against the city to get them to agree to a their very one-sided fire contract.
Concerns about public safety have only deepened. Despite findings from the Grand Jury that the Sheriff’s Office was already critically underfunded, Velazquez supported budget cuts that reduced staffing levels. As recently as this past week, Sheriff Eric Taylor described the department’s staffing condition as a “dire situation,” and noted they have lost several deputies to other counties. The agency continues to rely on outdated equipment including secondhand vehicles, and still lacks a reliable radio communication system.
The central issue remains unchanged: PUBLIC SAFETY.
In a County which is lacking in funds, choices have to be made, protecting residents should be a top priority. Unfortunately it has taken a backseat to funding political agendas. This concern is what prompted the recall effort in the first place, and for many residents, it remains unresolved.
Supervisor Velazquez (and his cohort Supervisor Kosmicki) continue trying to deflect from the real reasons behind the recall and point at the usual targets, Mia Casey and vague ‘developers’ while offering no proof. He even filed and lost a lawsuit to keep the recall off the ballot. Safer San Benito maintains their focus on something much simpler: finding a leader who listens to the community and puts Public Safety First.
Voters will ultimately decide the outcome of the recall election on June 2. We urge you to vote YES on the recall of Supervisor Velazquez.
Heather Bluhm
Hollister, California.
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