Mark T. Medina was sworn in on Monday, Jan. 9, during a special meeting of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, to succeed Margie Barrios as supervisor for District 1. He will take part in his first regular board meeting on Jan. 10.
Medina, who described his political leanings as “decline to state,” said he is a business person who will concentrate on the county’s revenue stream and expenses. He said he wants to see the county run on the same principles as a business.
“The biggest thing right now for me is the disposal issues we’re having with the John Smith Landfill,” Medina said. “I’m new at this, but there needs to be a better understanding where the money went and what we have actually received, as a county.”
Medina said he wants to determine the revenue stream of the landfill in order to offset the cost of repair and upkeep of Fairview, McCloskey and Shore roads. He said he wants to familiarize himself more with which communities are using the landfill before he moves forward with any recommendations.
The new supervisor said he is also concerned about the status of the cannabis debate. He declined to state which way he is leaning on recreational marijuana, but said the voters have spoken and that is what he will base his decisions on.
“I would be an advocate for medical marijuana as long as it’s regulated,” he said, “and as long as the manufacturing process is secure and the growing is indoors. When I look at recreational use, 55 percent of San Benito County voters in District 1 have said they want recreational marijuana. I’d have to figure out the right way to make sure that happens.”
Medina also wants to be involved in negotiations with the city on the tax-sharing agreement regarding new construction.
“We need to come to a resolution on that so we can have a good relationship with the city,” he said. “I feel that we need to resolve this situation. We don’t need third-party consultants coming in to try to solve our problems. We need to do it.”
Taking into account Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez’ recent statement during the last city council meeting about the need for a fair tax-sharing agreement, Medina said a 50/50 split would be a starting point in negotiations.
“I have to look at all the past decisions that were made to see how they calculated that $11,000 (mitigation fee),” he said. “We need, between the city and county, to come to an agreement. I want to expedite the agreement because the city council is not making annexation decisions based upon not having the agreement.”
Medina said he supports growth, but it needs to be smart.
“When I think of smart growth, we need a certain amount of new construction to help build our infrastructure,” he said. “And, if we want people to stay here to build businesses, we need houses to support that.”
Medina emphasized his business experience and a desire to attract more industry to the county. He said he has been in discussions with a developer who may be interested in building in the city. He also took the opportunity to thank those who voted for him and emphasized that he is available to everyone.
“My goal is to educate the community on what is happening in the county and I want to be straight forward and not have any hidden agendas,” he said. “Communication is the most important part of the equation. My phone and email are always on.”
Supervisor Jaime De La Cruz was also sworn in, for the fourth time, during the ceremony.
Medina can be reached at medinadistrict1@gmail.com or by phone at 831-801-4784.