Holbrook rules out bid to unseat Placer County Supervisor Holmes

AUBURN CA - Auburn Recreation District board member Scott Holbrook has decided against a run to unseat Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes in the 3rd District election June 5.But another potential candidate could be throwing his hat in the ring.And Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery is also facing a possible election battle in her bid to hang onto the District 5 post for another four years.Holbrook said Wednesday that he told Holmes last week that he wouldn't be filing as a candidate.Holbrook – like Holmes a resident of North Auburn – had taken out signature-in-lieu papers in late December, signaling a possible challenge for the two-term supervisor.Holbrook had initially indicated that he wanted to take on Montgomery – whose 5th district in eastern Placer has been extended to include Auburn because of redistricting – but found his home was now in District 3."I talked to everybody and it's just not going to be," Holbrook said. "I have support in Colfax, Foresthill, Meadow Vista and Tahoe. Jim's got a stronghold in his district and I really don't have the passion to run against him."Candidate filing starts Feb. 13 for the June 5 primary election. As well as Holmes and Montgomery, District 4 Supervisor Kirk Uhler is also intending to file papers for another term. The four-year term pays total compensation of $30,000 annually. Stepping up to possibly run against Holmes, Newcastle resident Bob Grigas said that he's exploring a District 3 challenge that would be absent of any personal agenda on his part.Grigas, 57, said he's semi-retired as an investor and would run out of a sense of civic responsibility. He's a 20-year Newcastle resident, who previously lived in Loomis for 15 years. He moved to Roseville as a child with his family in 1961."I've seen the community and the area grow," Grigas said. "I like the small-town atmosphere but also know that we're going to have a growing market."Grigas hasn't served in an elected post but said he was on the Del Paso Heights Redevelopment Agency board for four years as an appointee. Grigas is stopping short of declaring his candidacy at this time but said he is moving toward a potential election run. "I have to make sure the community is in need of my services," he said.Uhler is being challenged by Granite Bay resident Pam Tobin. Both election campaigns have filed financial statements, with Placer County's elections division indicating the amount of money each has raised.Uhler's campaign war chest had $8,150 at the end of 2011. Friends of Pam Tobin listed a cash balance of $1,180.Grigas had not established a campaign organization. Holmes had a cash balance of $9,069 at the end of December.Montgomery had a cash balance of $30,810. Elections division filings show that Montgomery may be challenged by a Colfax resident. Mark Wright has taken out signatures-in-lieu of papers. He couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.