Two candidates are running on Nov. 5 for Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, District 3. In our June issue, Democrat John Fanning responded to questions posed by the PRT by email. This month we are sharing answers from Jesus Jerez, a Republican. Some responses have been edited for space and clarity. 

Residence: Rio Rico, 40 years; Santa Cruz County 48 years

Education/licenses/certifications/military: Ajo High School, Ajo, Arizona. Three years in the US Army. Immigration Officer Basic Training Course, Wright Interview Technique Training.

Recent Employment: Supervisory Immigration Inspector for Customs and Border Patrol, Nogales and Douglas Ports of Entry. Author of three novels. Small business owner

Community organizations/activities: Lifetime NRA Member, Past Rio Rico Fire District EMT/Firefighter,  Red Carded WildLand Firefighter, Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT) Member, CERT Instructor, Rio Rico Community Center Member (and Excellent Bingo Caller), Republican Committee Member 

Previous Public Office/Service: Current Elected Precinct Committeeman for Rio Rico Precinct #7, Elected Arizona State Committeeman, Elected Santa Cruz County Delegate for the Santa Cruz County Republican Committee.

What unique qualities and experience do you bring to the Board of Supervisors? 

I chose to stay here and serve this community rather than prioritize my attainment of higher office and higher income. I am NOT a professional politician who would profit from this community but rather I look forward to determining and meeting each community’s particular needs. My work history and accomplishments show that I am a consummate manager.

What are the two biggest challenges the County faces and how do you plan to address them? 

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is making do with a patched-up radio system, directly impacting this community’s health and security. 

My home is 250 yards away from a cartel trail. When we hear shots at midnight, we no longer call the Sheriff’s Office on 911 because it will take them too long to get to us. We pick up our rifles, turn off all the lights and implement our plan on how to best respond to any threat. We do NOT want to become the next Kelly trial. If bullets start coming through our walls, we will be calling the Border Patrol Command Center for help.

Second, can we do something about our taxes? A tiny fraction of registered voters vote in special elections for school bonds and overrides which means that relatively few people make all residents and business owners in Santa Cruz County pay higher yearly property taxes to pay back these bonds. Our Board of Supervisors is treating special elections as a money-making business rather than trying to ease the tax burden on everyone.

What do you think the County’s biggest environmental challenges are, and how do you think the County should address them? 

There are two very large and significant threats to Santa Cruz County. One is the fact that Mexico ships its sewage to us for treatment and their aging and antiquated systems break down a lot, releasing lots of raw sewage. It flows north up the Nogales Wash and into the Santa Cruz River. And why is no one talking about the Lupus Corridor anymore? Or about toxic plumes working their way from west to east towards the Nogales wash?

The second is a perceived environmental threat from the Hermosa Mine. We have more than sufficient watchdog groups to make sure that negative environmental impacts from the mine will not be tolerated. But we must work with them closely enough to detect if their preventive efforts fail and we must have the political clout to make a positive change take place.

What would you do as supervisor to address concerns that residents of the eastern part of the district feel that they have no representation at the county level?

I think they are justified in their concerns. When did you witness a meeting with members of each of the five communities voicing their concerns in a public forum where their District Supervisor listened and answered their questions? We need to ask them about their needs as they see it and not tell them what their needs are and what we are doing about it. 

How would you work to maintain the rural character of unincorporated areas like Sonoita/Elgin given the increased activity in both tourism and mining operations?

We rule at the permission of the residents. What would the residents like to see happen? Each area has its experts and advocates with visions of the community’s future, and it is those experts and advocates that the Supervisor needs to contact in an informal setting and get a feel for their perceived needs. I would be there to represent, not to rule.

Are you in support of overlay districts in the Sonoita/Elgin area?

I want to protect the atmosphere and flavor of a western town with ranches and wineries, and if it takes an overlay district then so be it. The lack of such seems to be evident at the Crossroads. I can see the need for an overlay district in Sonoita and Elgin.

With the threat of increased traffic in the area, what would you do to protect the safety of residents on local roads?

The issue is not just the trucks that have raised much concern. It is also the workers and their families who will bring additional traffic to the area. 

There is insufficient housing in the Patagonia/Sonoita area to house many workers. Traffic is going to increase and manpower from the State DPS and SCC Sheriff’s office will need to be increased. Speeding, accidents and unsafe passing on narrow winding roads from Nogales through Patagonia and Sonoita will need to be addressed. The Crossroads in Sonoita needs a better traffic control system. The backups that occur when the Fairgrounds start to empty out are horrible. 

All this increased traffic will increase wear and tear on our roads, requiring continuous maintenance. The fact that the road for the haul-out trucks is going to be avoiding Patagonia shows that citizen pressure on mine needs can result in compromises where the results provide benefits for both interests.

What regulations would you like to see put on future commercialization and short-term rentals in eastern Santa Cruz County?

I would like to project Sonoita and Elgin as a tourist attraction area complete with the western look and not clutter up the scenery with gaudy businesses or look like a suburban city sprawl look. The area’s rolling hills and grazing cattle in the fields with occasional wineries is a great look for the area. Even today, the wineries are comfortable looking, down-to-earth buildings that blend into the landscape and that look must be retained. 

What would you like to see included in the community protection and benefits agreement with South32?

I would like to see a provision that ensures community involvement in the progress of the mine and the development of the area. Citizen involvement and their understanding of the mine and its issues, as well as how they reach solutions to the problems that arise will go a long way towards making the community feel involved and thus avoid the issue of mistrust and conflict arising from a feeling of exclusion. A general, say weekly, statement of the progress of the mine furnished to local media sources, as well as some unrehearsed interviews with not only the papers but with local talent or bloggers or video media with unscripted talks to keep the community abreast of happenings within the mine would go a long way towards improving the feeling of working WITH the community rather than against the community. The feeling that the community is in touch with the mine can only benefit relations.