Local Politics · San Benito County
Signature Gatherers Accused of Misleading Residents on Kosmicki Recall; Petition Deadline Oct. 19
Residents in West Hollister and San Juan Bautista reported that paid signature gatherers for the recall petition against San Benito County Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki misrepresented its purpose, with one telling a resident it was about improving Highway 25 and another claiming the sheriff's office was funding the effort. The sheriff's office denied any involvement in financing the recall. Proponent Stacie McGrady said the paperwork clearly states it is a recall petition and attributed the incident to a language barrier, while Kosmicki called the signature-gathering effort "completely fraudulent." California Elections Code makes intentional misrepresentation of a petition a misdemeanor. The petition requires at least 1,762 signatures from supervisor district 2 by Oct. 19; if successful, a recall election would be scheduled on a future ballot.