Time for New Supervisor

On Tuesday, June 7, voters residing in the 1st District of Santa Barbara have an opportunity to reform local government. They will be choosing who will represent them for the next few years on the County Board of Supervisors. This board is a nonpartisan governing board that must be comprised of those not beholden to any political party or special interest. When supervisors sell out to special interests, they are no longer effective local leaders.

Like it or not we are one county. Five people must make vital decisions regarding the health, safety, and future of us all. Not everyone on the board agrees how best to do that, often leading to lively discussions and 3-2 decisions. This kind of passionate debate is part of what makes Santa Barbara so special as well as difficult to manage.

Board members rarely reach across the aisle to compromise on controversial issues. Yet during the campaign against Measure M, four supervisors remarkably were able to agree. Why? Because they were determined not to allow any money from the general fund to be diverted away from their special interests. These long-term board members have been bought and paid for with each election cycle. It is time for a new beginning.

Career politicians and union lapdogs such as Das Williams cannot be objective when making decisions that are in the best interest of this county. His current campaign for the 2020 Senate (now being swept under the rug) is reminiscent of his failed attempt running for supervisor of Santa Barbara’s 2nd District shortly after being elected to the City Council. His arrogance and political ambitions were just as insulting then as they are now.

Hopefully 1st District voters will make an intelligent decision and vote for Jennifer Christensen. She is the only candidate who has the experience, independence, and courage to create a positive dialogue, fiscal reform, and a better future for us all.