COVID policies require new look at these Bee endorsements for Stanislaus leaders

A newspaper changing its endorsements from the March primary to the November election, under normal circumstances, would be quite unusual.

But “normal circumstances” does not accurately describe anything about 2020.

The Modesto Bee’s Editorial Board, before the primary earlier this year, recommended candidates Bill Zoslocki and Tom Hallinan in their respective races for Districts 1 and 5 on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. They have done nothing since to disqualify those endorsements, and both retain The Bee’s support.

However, it’s worth noting that the world has changed since The Bee issued those recommendations.

And the altered landscape in Stanislaus County warrants a new look at this crucial elected office, leading to a suggestion that voters keep an open mind about both worthy opponents: Channce Condit in District 5, and his cousin once removed in District 1, Buck Condit.

(Hallinan, Zoslocki and both Condits emerged as top vote-getters in the primary and November serves as the runoff for both districts.)

The Bee’s late-January endorsements for Stanislaus supervisor largely were based on the ideal of retaining previously smooth-functioning, effective county leadership. Long records of dependable, thoughtful service — from Zoslocki on the Modesto City Council, and Hallinan as a Yosemite Community College District trustee, and as contract city attorney for several local cities — gave both an edge if voters hoped to preserve the county’s collaborative momentum, the reasoning went.

In other words, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

But shortly after the March primary, some things about county leadership broke and now need fixing.

The coronavirus pandemic, arriving just after the primary, exposed previously concealed weaknesses in a well-oiled machine. Because counties oversee public health agencies and offices of emergency service, attention suddenly was drawn to county leadership like never before. And unfortunately, our leaders made significant errors.

The most egregious set our county in direct defiance of state public health orders; supervisors actually ordered county staff to look the other way if businesses were to operate in violation of the state’s shutdown rule, and they only narrowly opted against a similar order regarding schools reopening.

That set a tone of scorn toward health safety rules, followed by spikes in COVID-19 cases, one of the worst outbreaks in California, and 374 Stanislaus deaths as of Monday.

Sustained sickness here has kept Stanislaus County in the lowest tier of recovery, preventing businesses and churches from reopening. At one point, county leaders stubbornly refused to close bars commonly frequented by young adults, some of whom carry the coronavirus without knowing it.

It’s fair now — in light of all that’s happened — to ask whether a continuation in the county’s governing approach remains in the best interests of its people.

It also is important to note the Aug. 29 death of Supervisor Tom Berryhill. It’s a virtual given that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom soon will appoint someone from his party to fill the two years left in Berryhill’s term.

Although county supervisor is a nonpartisan position, it’s no secret that the Stanislaus Board has been dominated by Republican members for many years. With Berryhill’s successor, and because Hallinan and Channce Condit both are Democrats, the five-member board soon will transition from Republican unanimity to a 3-2 majority (Zoslocki and Buck Condit both are Republican).

Again, The Bee stands by Hallinan and Zoslocki because they are tried-and-true good men with proven records, and they would assume board duties with minimum disruption. Neither bears responsibility for the missteps of current board members.

But both Condits also have admirable records of public service — Channce, on the Ceres City Council, and Buck, as a 33-year veteran of the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District, 20 as captain. Both have energy and fresh ideas.

Stanislaus voters are fortunate to have candidates of this caliber.

The Bee recommends Bill Zoslocki in District 1 and Tom Hallinan in District 5.

This story was originally published October 6, 2020 at 5:00 AM.