Mindy Sotelo is speaking at the campaign Kickoff & Open home for Mindy Sotelo. Photo by Adam Bell.
Supervisor Mindy Sotelo speaking at her Campaign Kickoff & Open House. Photo by Adam Bell.

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San Benito County Supervisor Mindy Sotelo announced her bid for reelection to represent District 3 again at a campaign kickoff in Hollister on Jan. 23. The event drew several local and regional officials, including San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor, former county supervisor Margie Barrios and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez.

Sotelo told BenitoLink she is running for a second term because she believes she is ready to truly focus on delivering results.

“I feel like my first term was so much learning,” she said. “The whole thing for my second term is action and getting stuff done. I don’t have this learning curve anymore. I’m starting in a way different place. So, I’m really excited about the opportunity to really focus on action now.”

Chris Breen is registing to vote at the campaign Kickoff & Open home for Mindy Sotelo. Photo by Adam Bell.
Chris Breen signing nomination papers for Sotelo. Photo by Adam Bell.

Sotelo said one of the county’s biggest challenges—an issue she plans to prioritize—is increasing revenue and improving business retention.

“With the changes at the national level and now looking at the governor’s proposed budget for the coming year, there is less funding coming in,” she said.

She added that she opposes a 1% sales tax increase, which the Board of Supervisors briefly discussed last year and initially expressed support for during last year’s budget discussions.

Sotelo said that following a series of financial issues, including the embezzlement of $360,000 from the county library, and an attempted fraud that nearly cost the county $700,000 and prompted a state audit, she doesn’t believe it’s “an appropriate time to go back to the community and ask for more money.”

They are checking in to the campaign Kickoff & Open home for Mindy Sotelo. Photo by Adam Bell.
Supporters gather at Sotelo’s campaign kickoff event. Photo by Adam Bell.

Among other priorities, Sotelo said she plans to focus on senior care, infrastructure improvements, the expansion of the county library and the construction of Riverview Regional Park.

Her opponent for the District 3 seat is former county supervisor and former Republican candidate for the 18th Congressional District Peter Hernandez.

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