Mayor-Elect Gives Thanks

Thank you to the 23,167 Santa Barbara voters for participating in what became the highest voter turnout for a local election in 30 years. I am both excited and honored in becoming the 49th Mayor of the City of Santa Barbara.

So many of you gave your time, talents and resources to my campaign over these many months – over 60 people volunteered on Election Day alone. Also, my appreciation goes to The Santa Barbara Independent for your endorsement and for your excellent coverage regarding all aspects of the mayoral, city council and Measure B campaigns.

I look forward to working with Councilmembers-elect Grant House, Bendy White, Frank Hotchkiss and Michael Self. I particularly congratulate Grant and Bendy in coming in 1st and 2nd in the wake of unprecedented negative attacks against their candidacy. The five of us, along with Councilmembers Das Williams and Dale Francisco, have serious work to do in our first six months, especially as it relates to the City budget. I welcome the dialogues and debates that are to come and have all expectations that we will treat each other and our positions at City Hall with the respect and courtesy our residents demand from us.

I know we all love Santa Barbara and want to do what we can to let Santa Barbara reach its highest potential. As Marion Wright Edelman once said, “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” and I believe Santa Barbara voters actively ensured their voices were heard this election. I hope and expect Santa Barbara residents will continue to let us know their expectations, share their ideas as we work together in this incredible place we call home.-Helene Schneider, Santa Barbara’s mayor-elect