SBC Chamber Rates Phil 3 Out Of 3 Stars

Representing a membership numbering 450 and growing, the region's voice for business, the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) offers their rating and analysis of candidates for San Benito County Board of Supervisors District 4 for the November 2, 2010 general election.

The Chamber's candidate evaluation policy offers the opportunity for the Chamber to endorse candidates or to rate them. In this case, the candidates were rated on a scale of 0 to 3 stars according to our evaluation criteria.

Resulting from a request of the candidates, and a thorough vetting process, the Chamber rates candidate Phil Fortino with 3 out of 3 stars as a business-friendly candidate as he understands the economic issues that impact the business community and the problems that it faces. He is ready, willing and extremely able to stand up for business and will help to maintain and create jobs and actively support future prosperity for San Benito County.

Click here to view the Chamber's complete ratings press release.

LULAC Candidates Forum TONIGHT!

Join me at the LULAC Candidates Forum tonight at 6:00 at the Vet's Hall on San Benito Street. Candidates for Supervisor, County Sheriff, City Council and local school board races will be there to discuss the issues facing our county.

SBC Farm Bureau's Candidate Forum - October 12, 2010

Join me and the other candidates as we discuss the issues facing San Benito County at the SBC Farm Bureau's Candidates Forum on Tuesday, October 12 at 6:00 pm at the Hollister City Council Chambers on 5th Street.

Sad, but necessary news

Most of you have heard by now, that my big brother, Gino, passed away on Wednesday after a courageous battle with cancer. The funeral will be at Sacred Heart Church at 5:00, Saturday the 9th. So many of our friends and family are involved with the details of Gino's service that Vicki and I have decided to cancel the Fortino Festa that was scheduled for Sunday, October 17th.

In the meantime, know that I am continuing in my responsibilities as candidate for Supervisor, District 4. For example, the FORTINO Walk and Knock event (canvassing neighborhoods) this Saturday, at 9:30a.m. is on. Join us at the corner of Airline Highway and Enterprise Road. We're going to meet a lot of voters!

Thank you all for your continued support!

Stop by and say "Howdy!" at the San Benito County Fair

It's here! The San Benito County Fair starts today, Friday, at 10:00am and I will be there all weekend. I hope you all stop by to say hello and bring the kids and grand kids by. I have helium balloons and treats for them. Great weather this weekend too, so come out and "Stirrup Some Fun!"

Special Speed Campaign Set for October 7th

The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce Lunch With Leaders program is inviting the public to another "speed campaigning" event on October 7th from 11:30 to 1:00 pm at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. You will have the opportunity to meet and listen to candidates for the Hollister City Council, San Benito County Supervisor, Gavilan College School Board, and San Benito County Sheriff.

Candidates will move from table to table in a "speed dating" format and share their views for the upcoming election while residents get to stay at their table awaiting a new candidate at each changeover.

Please RSVP to the San Benito County Chamber at (831) 637-5315.

Campaign ramping up again!

There's less than 70 days until the residents of San Benito County go back to the polls and make their voices heard on a variety of issues and candidates. As we begin ramping up our campaign for Country Supervisor of District 4, I want to express how honored I am to have received the continued endorsements from Hollister Firefighter's Union Local 3395, the Operating Engineers Local 3, the Republican Party of SBC, the SBC Deputy Sheriff's Association, the Hollister Freelance and the SBC Stewardship Council. Thank you very much and see you November 2!

Join Us For a Ragin' Cajun Good Time!

Join us for a ragin' Cajun good time on July 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm for the "Swamp Romp"! This party, with a Creole flair, features a crawfish boil, jambalaya, red beans and rice, pralines and zydeco. The party will take place on the green at the Peppertree Ranch located at 500 John Smith Road in Hollister. Cost is $45.00 and tickets are available online at www.fortinoforsupervisor.com or by calling 831-637-0061.

Hope to see you there!!!

All proceeds to benefit Fortino For Supervisor 2010 (FPPC#1323568).

Team FORTINO Supports Independents Week

As the face for job creation and supporting local businesses, I'm asking you to join me in Hollister's Downtown Association's celebration of Independent Business Week, July 1 -7th. They are asking residents to shop 100% locally from July 1- July 7th. Just imagine if only 10% of our residents, 5,300 people, participated! Sales Tax revenues would bolster the city coffers, business owners would replace their worry lines with dollars in their pockets and teenagers could be hired! The benefits are nearly endless! In addition, the HDA has a unique twist to encourage local shopping: a Scavenger Hunt! If you find all the items on the game card (no purchase necessary) you could win a $200 grand prize.

Vicki came up with a unique twist of her own. FORTINO for Supervisor volunteers are going to carry out this week's HDA Scavenger Hunt as TEAM FORTINO! I think it is a fabulous idea! Vicki and I are going to kick July into high gear! Please join us on the first day of this exciting promotion at Campaign Headquarters, tomorrow, July 1st, at 11:30. We'll "scavenge," then have lunch, downtown. I can't think of a better way to support businesses during the dog days of summer! Friends and other supporters welcome and encouraged!

For more information about National Independents Week, visit the HDA's web site at www.downtownhollister.org.

On to Phase 2 of the Campaign.....

To all my supporters and to the voters of DISTRICT 4, Thank You! I appreciate your faith and trust in my commitment to San Benito County. I landed the front runner position, but not quite enough votes to win outright. As a result Jerry Muenzer, the second vote getter, and I are in a run-off for the November election.

I have enjoyed meeting many of the voters in District 4, and listening to the concerns that you shared with me on the campaign trail. I look forward to meeting more voters in the coming months and earning their votes. I also send a BIG Thank You to my dedicated and tireless campaign committee for their hard work and to my family for their patience, love and understanding throughout this process. I would also like to thank and commend Reb Monaco for his service to San Benito County for the past eight years, and to both he and Jerry Muenzer for running positive campaigns.

We are hitting the ground running! We put up thank you signs and all Ridgemark lawn signs are down. Got a lawn sign and don't want to store it? Call me at 901-7103 or email me at campaign@fortinoforsupervisor.com and either I or one of the volunteers will come and get it! The large signs are coming down over the next few days. We have a fundraiser in the works for July, we're adding additional staffers to our campaign committee and we're welcoming new volunteers. We are on our way to November with great momentum!

A Huge Thanks.....

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! to all my supporters for your votes and well wishes. A special thanks to my campaign committee for ALL their hard work. A campaign cannot be successful without a great committee. We are on our way to November with great momentum!

Join Us For Election Night Coverage!

Pencil this in your calendar! The campaign committee, along with Vicki and Phil, want to invite you, Phil's voters and supporters, Tuesday, June 8th, 7:30p.m. - ?, to our Election Night Party in the main dining room at Ridgemark Golf & Country Club. Snacks will be available. No host bar. Large screen TV's will be strategically placed for election night viewing. It should be a lively evening full of surprises, locally, state-wide and nationally!

Get Your Carnitas Drive-Thru Dinner Tickets Today!

Only a few more days left to get your Carnitas Drive -Thru Dinner tickets! Enjoy carnitas, tortillas, beans, rice, and a drink for only $10/person! The Drive-Thru Dinner is set for Thursday, June 3 in the Gold's Gym parking lot. Tickets are available on-line at www.fortinoforsupervisor.com, by phone at (831) 637-0061, by email at campaign@fortinoforsupervisor.com, or from any Fortino For Supervisor campaign volunteer.

Phil Receives Endorsement from San Juan Star

Phil Fortino, Candidate for Supervisor, District 4, San Benito County, received an endorsement from San Juan Bautista's weekly newspaper, San Juan Star. Dan DeVries, owner of Modern Media, LLC, which is the publisher, stated, "the San Juan Star is endorsing Phil Fortino for Supervisor for District 4 because he shares our vision for San Benito County's future, and we believe he is the best candidate to make that vision a reality." DeVries continued, "the Star believes that economic development is critically necessary for our county at this juncture, and Phil will make that happen while still preserving our agricultural heritage, scenic beauty and way of life. We are especially supportive of Phil's plans to develop and promote San Benito's Wine Country to increase tourism, lodging, hospitality and revenue for our community. Lastly, we support Phil because of his desire for sensible improvements to Highway 156 which will not destroy the San Juan Valley."

Fortino responded to the endorsement, "Thank you San Juan Star for your faith and trust you have shown by endorsing me for District 4 Supervisor. I will be one of five Supervisors who are entrusted to make strategic decisions that will shape our County's future for the benefit of our future generations." Fortino finished with, "my primary focus will be on jobs: finding them, keeping them and creating them. We can't have good roads, quality schools, or even retail options without a larger, diverse jobs base bringing in revenue."

Fortino, a Hollister native, was the owner of Fortino's Total Home, a furniture and appliance center that employed 34 people at its peak. Fortino has always been active in the community in philanthropic and leadership capacities. This includes, but is not limited to, Community Foundation of SBC, SBC Chamber of Commerce, Hollister Downtown Association, and the Hollister Rotary. Fortino has been married to Vicki, his high-school sweetheart, for 33 years. They have two children and three grandchildren.

Carnitas Drive-Thru Dinner & Fundraiser Scheduled for June 3, 2010

Join us on Thursday, June 3 from 5:00 - 7:30pm at the Gold's Gym parking lot for our Carnitas Drive-Thru Dinner & Fundraiser. For only $10 you can enjoy carnitas, tortillas, beans, rice, and a soft drink while supporting Phil Fortino in his bid to become your SBC Supervisor for District 4.

Tickets are available online at www.fortinoforsupervisor.com, by phone at (831) 637-0061, by email at campaign@fortinoforsupervisor.com or from any one of Phil's friendly campaign volunteers. Tickets purchased online are available Will Call at Gold's Gym during the event.

Take Part in the Fortino Blitz on Saturday, May 15!

We are pushing for victory on Primary Election Day, June 8th. That's less than 4 weeks away! We have a lot to do. This Saturday, May 15th, is the FORTINO BLITZ! Dozens of volunteers are joining Phil as we canvass neighborhoods to listen to the voters and let them know about his plans to restore San Benito County's economic vitality. Join us on the corner of Airline Highway and Enterprise Road at 9:30 a.m, Saturday, May 15! We'll have coffee and doughnuts We always have room for more volunteers. Walkers, phone, office, host a coffee...the list is almost endless!

Free Lance Newspaper Endorses Fortino for Supervisor, District 4

On May 11, 2010, the Editorial Board of the Free Lance newspaper announced its endorsements for 2010 and Phil Fortino received their endorsement for Supervisor, District 4.

"Fortino is focused on fixing the local economy. For many years to come, nothing will be more important than the efforts by county and city leaders to help get their constituents and private-sector employers out of this rut....Fortino has a business-friendly mindset, and that's just what San Benito County needs."

Fortino responded, "I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Free Lance newspaper. The Free Lance has been a source of news for San Benito County for over 125 years and has a vested interest in the betterment of our county. I look forward to collaborating with them on restoring the economic vitality of San Benito County. Thank you to the Editorial Board for their dedication in interviewing the candidates for all offices that shape San Benito County."

To read the Free Lance's complete endorsement, See Section A4 of the May 11 edition of the Free Lance or view the complete article online at: http://www.freelancenews.com/opinion/265577-endorsement-fortino-would-bring-focus-on-business-as-supervisor

2 More Candidate Debates Scheduled

Mark your calendars for 2 upcoming candidate debates. The first is Thursday, May 6 at 7:00 pm at the City Council Chambers and is being sponsored by the Farm Bureau. The second is Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 pm in the Ridgemark Golf & Country Club dining room. The Honorable Judge Steve Sanders will be moderating. Hope to see you there!

SBC Stewardship Council Fundraiser this Thursday, April 29!

The San Benito County Stewardship Council will be holding a special fundraising event this Thursday, April 29 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at San Juan Oaks Golf Club in support of SBC Supervisorial candidates, Phil Fortino (District 4) and Robert Rivas (District 3). Tickets are $60 and include food and drinks as well as an opportunity to meet with the candidates to discuss issues facing San Benito County.

To reserve your ticket, please download, complete, and fax in the following form. Your donation will be collected at the door. Reservation Form

For more information or questions, please contact the SBC Stewardship Council at sbcstewardshipcouncil@hotmail.com or by contacting April at 831-637-0375.

The San Benito County Stewardship Council is a Political Advisory Committee comprised of young local business leaders from San Benito County. FPPC#1307242.

SBC Stewardship Council Endorses Phil Fortino for Supervisor

Phil Fortino, Candidate for Supervisor, District 4, received the coveted endorsement from the San Benito County Stewardship Council. Fortino said, "I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Stewardship Council. It's refreshing to know this group of young professionals has committed the time and energy to make a positive difference in San Benito County. Our future depends on dedicated, civic minded, involved citizens like the young men and women of the SBC Stewardship Council."

The Stewardship Council is comprised of young community leaders whose mission is to enhance the economic vitality and viability of San Benito County. April Englund, writing on behalf of the organization, endorsed Fortino because he was the "candidate most capable of repairing and maintaining the economic vitality of our County." Fortino added, "I look forward to working with the SBC Stewardship Council to realize our common goals of economic vitality for San Benito County as Supervisor, District 4."

This is the fourth of four endorsements Fortino has received: Hollister Firefighter's Local 3395, Deputy Sheriff's Association of San Benito County, and Operating Engineer's, Local No. 3.

Phil Receives Endorsements from Prominent Local Organzations

Phil Fortino, candidate for Supervisor, District 4 of San Benito County received endorsements from 3 prominent local organizations: Hollister Fire Fighters Union Local 3395; Operating Engineers Local 3; and San Benito County Deputy Sheriff's Association (DSA). All three expressed their excitement about Fortino's candidacy and his years of business creation and ownership. Quoting the Fire Fighter’s letter of endorsement, “Your years of dedication as a local business owner have given us great confidence in your ability to preside on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.” An excerpt from the DSA endorsement letter states, “We believe your leadership and experience on crucial issues will benefit the SBC Sheriff’s Office and the citizen’s of San Benito County.” The Operating Engineers Local 3 endorsement specifically valued Fortino’s plan for an economic vitality task force.

Fortino responded to the rapid fire endorsements, " I am honored that the Hollister Fire Fighters Union Local 3395, the Operating Engineers Local 3 and SBC's DSA trust that I will do what is best for San Benito County." Fortino added, "My first commitment is to restore our county's economic vitality through the creation of quality jobs, better management of the dollars we have and encouraging local commerce." Fortino finished with, "We can't have good roads, quality schools, or even local retail options without a larger, diverse jobs base bringing in revenue. For that reason, my primary focus is jobs: finding them, keeping them, and creating them."

SBC Chamber Announces 'Speed Campaigning' Event

The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to a "speed campaigning" event on April 21st from 11:30 to 1:00 pm at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. Candidates vying for the open supervisorial and sheriff seats will be in attendance.



Candidates will move from table to table in a "speed dating" format and share their views for the upcoming election while residents get to stay at their table awaiting a new candidate at each changeover.



The cost to residents is $15.00 and includes lunch. Residents are asked to RSVP to the San Benito County Chamber at (831) 637-5315.

Hollister Fire Fighters Endorse Fortino for Supervisor

Hollister Fire Fighters Union - Local 3395 endorsed District 4 candidate, Phil Fortino, citing Phil's "years of dedication as a local business owner" as a reason for their "great confidence in his ability to preside on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors."

Phil Fortino Fully Supports YMCA and Gavilan College on Former Leatherback Site

Phil Fortino, Candidate for Supervisor, District 4, announced his full support of the proposed YMCA of SBC and Gavilan College collaborative on the former Leatherback site. Candidate Fortino said, "Assuming all the details come together I enthusiastically support the two institutions in responding, together, to the Hollister Redevelopment Agency's RFP (Request For Proposal). First and foremost, Gavilan College and the YMCA of SBC have natural synergies. Some of the most valuable are the sharing of facilities, grant funding opportunities and the realization of a true community center that the YMCA has been advocating for 10 years. Secondly and just as critical, is Gavilan College stays downtown on an interim basis."

Fortino went on to say, "Gavilan has been an important force in Hollister's downtown economy and vibrancy in their current location at the Briggs Building. Many communities across America have discovered that retaining or encouraging colleges to select a downtown location bring significant economic, cultural and commercial benefit."

Fortino concluded with these thoughts, "I appreciate Gavilan College Board of Trustees foresight in exploring this as a temporary solution to their long-term vision of a San Benito County campus off of Fairview. The consideration of taking advantage of infill sites and existing infrastructure can maximize their investment. This project if realized, will accomplish a long-term vision of a much-needed community center complete with educational, recreational and commercial applications. The YMCA and Gavilan College, as partners in collaboration and in cooperation with the community, could be just some of the good news San Benito County needs right now. I applaud the Board of Trustees of Gavilan Community College’s decision to investigate the possibilities further."

Fortino was the owner of Fortino's Total Home, a $6,500,000 annual furniture and appliance center that employed 34 people at its peak. Fortino is a regular donor and frequent volunteer to the YMCA of SBC, a board member of Community Foundation of SBC, a member of their Economic Development Committee, a member of the SBC Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Hollister Downtown Association. The YMCA of SBC and Gavilan College site is located at the corner of Hillcrest and McCray, formerly Leatherback. It has been vacant for 3 years and is currently owned by the Hollister Redevelopment Agency. The project is proposed to include at least 20,000 square feet of classrooms, labs and administration facilities for Gavilan College with the potential to expand, if needed. It would also include retail and commercial space and up to 10,000 square feet for the first phase of the YMCA of SBC project. Gavilan College's 80 acre campus site is located on the northeast corner off Fairview and Airline Highway in Candidate Fortino’s District, District 4.

Cabernet and Cabaret ~ February 27, 2010 @ Leal Vineyards

Come and enjoy an evening of wine and entertainment with Hollister native and Las Vegas headliner, Khris Francis. All proceeds to support Phil Fortino for Supervisor, District 4.



Date: February 27 @ 6:00 pm
Cost: $50/person

Tickets are available at these fine local businesses: Drapoel / Teezerz, She's, and Leal Vineyards. They are also available online at www.fortinoforsupervisor.com.

Advance purchase tickets only - tickets will not be available at the door.

Campaign Kickoff Party ~ January 29, 2010

Mike & Tracy Nino have graciously offered to host my campaign kickoff party on Friday, January 29. What a great way to get my campaign started! I'm looking forward to discussing the challenges facing our community and how we, as a community, can face them head on.