Goleta Race Heats Up

The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce said it supported the
campaigns of two City Council challengers and held a press
conference on Monday to express concerns about Goleta’s draft
General Plan, with Chamber President Kristen Amyx saying the plan
needed significant revision. The current City Council would like to
write the ordinances implementing the plan, but that wish may be
derailed by the outcome of the City Council race. Santa Barbara
Airbus CEO and City Council candidate Eric Onnen charged that the
plan is contradictory and does not allow for appropriate growth.
Michael Bennett is also preparing to run for Goleta City Council
against incumbents Jack Hawxhurst, Margaret Connell, and Cynthia
Brock. Bennett, a retired county fire battalion chief, was involved
in Goleta cityhood efforts dating back to the 1970s and was even
elected mayor in one of Goleta’s many unsuccessful bids for
cityhood. The race promises to be close, and issues of growth will
be central for each candidate.