Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTY

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools | NANCY KOTOWSKI

While Ricardo Téllez enjoys a deep well of experience as the head of the HeadStart program in Monterey County, Kotowski edges him out by a nose in this race. She’s been the associate superintendent of schools for the county’s Office of Education for 14 years and knows the district inside out. Kotowski also has a track record of working well with purse-string-pullers on both sides of the political aisle, which is a precious skill inthe education field.

County Supervisor, District 2 | JYL LUTES

Incumbent Lou Calcagno has a terrific résumé of accomplishments. He has been a local hero for 20 years, and deserves our gratitude and affection. But this time, he does not deserve our vote.

On the most pressing issue facing the County—the land-use plan that will determine which direction we go for the next 20 years—Calcagno has failed to provide the leadership required to get the job done. Having built a career as a smart-growth advocate, and having earned our support in the past because of that, he has dropped the ball.

It’s time for new blood in the District 2 seat.

Salinas City Councilwoman Lutes has the policy smarts and practical know-how to prioritize smart growth and public health at the county level. She is a coalition-builder and a visionary. She has run an effective campaign. Her victory would mean a great deal to the county—this is the best reason for District 2 residents to make sure and get to the polls next Tuesday.

County Supervisor, District 3 | SIMÓN SALINAS

This race pits Alejandro Chavez, an aid to County Supervisor Fernando Armenta, against state Assemblyman Salinas, who, before his 5 years in the state Assembly, has previously served on the Salinas City Council and the Board of Supervisors. Salinas’ years of experience, and his time in Sacramento, will be tremendous assets to Monterey County.

Auditor/Controller | MICHAEL MILLER

Miller’s doing a good job, auditing and controlling. And, apparently, he’s the only candidate who wants the post.

District Attorney | DEAN FLIPPO

The Weekly supports Dean Flippo, who runs unopposed and has done a solid job as the lawyer of the people for Monterey County.

Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator | MIKE KANALAKIS

This year’s sheriff’s race asks voters to choose the least discouraging candidate. Challengers Robert Oen and Vincent Earland’s campaign platforms seem to be primarily based on their dislike for incumbent Kanalakis, and what they perceive as his disregard for his deputies. While Earland’s ideas seem slightly more developed than Oen’s, we have our doubts whether Earland would be capable of playing the game at this level. It’s true, Kanalakis is out of touch with his deputies, and needs to build solidarity within his department. But he’s proven he can communicate with the Board of Supervisors, state legislators, various other agencies and the community. As a result we support a second term in office for Kanalakis.

Democratic Central Committee, District 4 | AMY ALLARD, LE VONNE STONE, KRISTINE EDMUNDS, TOM DIGGINS

The Weekly supports the three incumbent candidates for the committee and chooses Tom Diggins, a business development manager in Del Rey Oaks, to fill the committee’s fourth open slot.

Democratic Central Committee, District 5 | PETER HILL, HAL GREENBERG, VINZ KOLLER, TOM PETERSON, JAN KNIPPERS BLACK, JOEL WEINSTEIN, MARIE WHITE

A mix of incumbents and newcomers looks like the best team to steer the party as it faces new challenges and opportunities.

Republican Central Committee, District 4 | DEAN CALLENDER, AMANDA RICHARDSON, CARLOS NORIEGA, CHRIS STEINBRUNER

The district’s incumbents are mostly strong centrists, with the exception of candidate Peter Kaiser, who is seen as more extreme. We support hisreplacement.

Green County Council | JEFF LERNER, DONALD T. CLEARY, GEORGE RILEY, ERIC PETERSEN, NANCY D. PRATT, CHARLES W. TURK, TOM SHIELDS, RUTH SMITH, DARBY MOSS WORTH

Only the few registered Greens in Monterey County can vote in this primary, to determine who will serve on the Green version of the Republican or Democratic Central Committee. Of the nine candidates, seven are incumbents, including several worthy, longtime community activists. We believe newcomers Turk, a retired management scientist and Pratt, a retired educator, will be strong additions to the council.