San Benito County Deserves Better
Supervisors Kollin Kosmicki and Ignacio Velazquez have failed us.
They promised leadership–but betrayed the public’s trust. Instead, we got political agendas, backroom deals, and a dangerous disregard for public safety.
This recall is about integrity, accountability, and the safety of our families.
For over a year, these Supervisors dragged out fire contract negotiations, ignoring repeated calls for collaboration and transparency. Instead of working openly with the Fire Chief, San Juan Bautista, and Hollister, they shut stakeholders out and pushed their own agenda — leaving firefighters, their families, and residents in limbo.
🔥 Ignored urgent calls for public safety — Dragged out fire contract talks for a year
🔥 Held backroom meetings — Excluded the Fire Chief and stakeholders from key decisions
🔥 Attacked fellow officials — Demeaned colleagues instead of building unity
🔥 Disrespected first responders — Belittled firefighters and distorted their pay
🔥 Attempted to reduce fire service — They pushed to reduce firefighters down to 2 per engine, which is not considered safe according to CalOSHA and the National Fire Safety Association–it also increases response times during emergencies; they also tried to force brownouts/closures of stations.
🔥 Refused to adequately fund fire protection — Offered only $1.1M additional to cover fire services which actually cost millions more
🔥 Silenced the public — Dismissing concerns as "misinformation"
They said the County couldn’t afford to pay more for fire protection—then attempted to spend $6.5 million on building their own fire department. Why? Not because it was better. Not because it made sense. But because their egos couldn’t handle compromise. More cost. Less protection. And zero accountability.
They put politics before public safety.
Kosmicki and Velazquez forced a bad fire deal — one that will cost Hollister taxpayers over $15 million to subsidize County fire service over the next five years.
It’s more than just a bad deal. It demonstrates failed leadership and a reckless disregard for public safety.
Their refusal to collaborate and fund fire protection fairly has damaged trust between agencies and put every San Benito County resident at greater risk. And the damage doesn’t stop there.
They’ve continued to defund public safety—cutting the Sheriff’s Department and diverting critical public safety funding toward pet projects and personal political agendas.
Their priorities are clear—and public safety isn’t one of them.
We need leaders who listen. Who lead with courage, not ego. Who treat public safety—and the people who provide it—as a priority, not a bargaining chip.
It’s time for change.
San Benito County deserves leadership that puts people first.
This recall is a stand for integrity, safety, and a stronger, more united county.
Join us in taking back our community.
✅ Let's Take Back Our Community
Your voice matters. Help us bring real accountability to our local government.
➡️ Sign the Petition
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➡️ Join Our Mailing List (use form below)
Let’s stand up for public safety. Let’s bring leadership back to the people.
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Please check if you are registered in districts 2 or 5, HERE.
Paid for by Public Safety First: Committee to Recall Supervisors Velazquez & Kosmicki, FPPC #1482879
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