RETURN OF THE KING
San Benito Mayor-Elect Joe H. Hernandez is shown outside the Municipal Building on Tuesday after winning back the mayoral post on Saturday during Election Day. He is also shown on Election Day moments after learning he won. (Photos by Francisco E. Jimenez and Scarlet O’Rourke)
By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
He’s back.
Joe H. Hernandez has reclaimed his seat as mayor of San Benito, and he is ready to get down to business.
Hernandez said that his first order of business will be to unite the city commission despite having heated disagreements with Commissioners Celeste Z. Sanchez and Bill Elliott in the past. These disagreements stemmed from when said commission members voted in January of 2010 to recognize Hernandez’s mayoral post as forfeit for owing back taxes.
“One of the first things that I’m going to do is ask the current commission that’s there, the two who actually voted me out, I’m going to ask them to join me in making a better San Benito,” Hernandez said. “Anything that’s personal, especially a personal agenda or anything else, leave it outside the building. We got elected by the people, and we owe it to the people that we do good things for the community and not what’s best for each and every one of us.”
Hernandez said that he follows three personal rules – have respect for one another, communicate with one another, and trust one another.
“Like a wise man once said, one man can climb a mountain, but together we can move that mountain. That is what is actually needed to make things work at city hall,” said Hernandez.
He said that he plans to speak privately with Commissioners Sanchez and Elliott, and while he believes there may still be some animosity he hopes to put all of that behind him and move forward with the community.
“I guess my heart has already forgiven them for what they did, but it’s something that I will never forget,” Hernandez said. “The people have spoken. The courts didn’t do it …the people did by placing me back where I belong.”
Hernandez was referring to lawsuits he filed against the city last year in an attempt to regain his post; he was unsuccessful in both his state and federal suits.
Meanwhile, the mayor-elect said that there is a lot that needs to be done in the community. Among the most important issues, he said, is the quality of the streets in San Benito.
“For some reason or another the streets were neglected. We need to work on a comprehensive plan as to where we want San Benito to be five or 10 years from now, and what is it we want to do,” said Hernandez. “There are a lot of good things we can do. A city this size should be self-sustained.”
Furthermore, Hernandez questioned soon to be ex-Mayor Jack Garcia’s plan to set a downtown district.
“I think a city the size of San Benito, I don’t think we need that (a downtown district),” said Hernandez. “There are many reasons, and I really don’t want to say it, but I think the way we are is the way it should be.”
Hernandez also stressed the need for San Benito to have a swimming pool, but he added that any money spent on repairs for the current pool is a waste.
“As far as needing a swimming pool, yes we need a swimming pool. The city has a lot a resources and properties where we can build an Olympic-sized swimming pool,” said Hernandez. “We need to get a grant, either through the parks and wildlife or something like that, then have the San Benito school district and IDEA get involved to where we can have an inside swimming pool where we can all benefit from it. We are all residents of San Benito, so why not?”
Overall, Hernandez is ready to put the past behind him and get to work on making San Benito a better place, he said.
“I don’t hold any regrets. There are people who don’t like me for X amount of reasons. I don’t know why,” said Hernandez. “Regardless, I do want to thank the people who voted for me, and the people who didn’t vote for me, I’m here to serve both sides. May the good Lord bless them all; they’re citizens of this great city, and unfortunately the ones that don’t like me, I’m still going to be their mayor.”
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the May 18 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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