Supervisor-elect Jim Gillio reflected on his victorious campaign, and Supervisor Jerry Muenzer looked back on eight years in office following Tuesday night’s election results.
Gilio will take over as District 4 county supervisor after defeating Muenzer, a two-term supervisor, with 74.1 percent of the vote. The two candidates had advanced from the June primary by defeating three others: Robert Bernosky, Sandy Swint and Elia Salinas.
“I am humbled and honored with the trust that’s been put upon me by other District 4 community members, and I sincerely look forward to serving District 4 and the entire community,” said Gillio, who will depart his appointed role as a Hollister council member in District 4 for the city. “The first thing I want to do is reach out to the incoming city council members individually and see if they have any requests from me as far as data or information.”
Gillio said he took his campaign “very seriously” and said it wasn’t just about him. He said a big part of the campaign was learning issues and watching county board meetings. He said he still has a lot to learn.
“I’m already starting that process,” said Gillio, owner of Central Ag Supply.
As for Muenzer, he pointed out that George Kincaid more than three decades ago was the last District 4 supervisor to serve more than two terms.
“That’s perfectly fine,” he said. “I just feel it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve San Benito County and these residents for the past eight years.”
He reflected on opportunities he never would have experienced otherwise, such as testifying before a subcommittee of Congress about making Pinnacles a national park.
He said he’s enjoyed working with the other supervisors these past eight years, and that he and his wife plan to do something they haven’t been able to do much lately: Travel.