Why Uribe Supports Byrne

In response to a letter by Mr. Benavides – candidate Murillo’s Spanish teacher – I’m clarifying that I’m no longer co-chair of the Santa Barbara County Young Democrats.

My support for individuals isn’t based only on “the color of their skin, but of the content of their character.” You get my point…

I’m a pragmatic progressive. Sharon Byrne will be an exceptional individual on our city council. She has the Planned Parenthood pro-choice designation, solidly supports the living wage, and strongly supports efforts to increase alternative transportation, while understanding the diversity of needs – for the diversity of our community. On housing, Sharon was the first person to address gentrification – a progressive stance at the center of urban politics nationwide.

Her approach to complex problems is encompassing of multiple solutions, with the understanding that no one-size-fits-all policy is sufficient to address youth violence, and homelessness.

Sharon has empowered her Lower Westside neighborhood, and through her work with the Milpas Community Association, she’s empowered the Eastside neighborhood. She’s a grassroots candidate. She has a corporate background but also was a deputy director of Common Cause, a nonprofit focused on election reform and government accountability – she’s true to her values, as evidenced by renouncing big money in politics in her own campaign. She works well with people to achieve identified effective solutions regardless of party or ideological background. Her effectiveness, work ethic, and determination have inspired me.

I’m one among many Democrats that support her including Michael Merenda, Lane Anderson, Beverly King, and Michael Cheng because Byrne will be great on the issues that truly matter to us.