Meet Joe Paul Gonzalez
Integrity - Accountability
A Family Man, born and raised in Hollister
Joe Paul is happily married to Irma. They have four children Briana, Jennifer, Talia and Joseph. They have two grandchildren, Kalliope and Avery.
A Trailblazer
Joe Paul Gonzalez Historic Firsts
Throughout his career Joe Paul has been a trail blazer, breaking barriers and setting historical firsts.
Youngest City of Hollister Mayor
Elected and served as, the then youngest, Mayor of the City of Hollister and councilman when he was elected in 1986. He was Mayor of the City during the Loma Prieta earthquake leading the city through one of its most tragic events.
First Time Siblings Elected Mayor
Joe Paul and his brother, Fernando, made history when Joe Paul was elected to Hollister City Council. Fernando was elected in 1978.Marking the first time two siblings had held the position as Mayor and City Council members in the history of Hollister.
President California State Association of County Auditors
Became President of the California State Auditor Association (2024-25) marking a historic first for San Benito County. Joe Paul has earned the respect of his peers and led to his election in May 2024.
First Official Website to County
Joe Paul brought live election results and a full working website to the county free of charge thanks to the expertise of his wife, Irma. In a historic first, live election results were made available to the public online. Plus a fully operational informational website, at no cost to taxpayers.
hosts CalSACA for the first time
For the first time in history, by conference was hosted by the County of San Benito.The conference hosted 259 registered participants from all 58 counties of the State of California, another first for the Association. To top it off, this was the Association’s first virtual conference and with it came several notable “firsts” accomplishments.
California’s secretary of state visits Elections Department
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber stopped by to visit Joe Paul and his staff. our of the Clerk, Recorder, and Election departments, the Ballot Counting Room and documents in the Hall of Records that included the early history of the county.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
One of only 46 counties recognized by the California State Controller for excellence in Financial Transactions Reporting—affirming our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and public trust.
Consistently won the Government Finance Officers Association ( GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
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