As the head of an NGO comprised of coastal cities and counties in California, I was fortunate to work with Joan Hartmann for many years in her capacity as the executive director of the Wetlands Recovery Project, a unique state entity that Joan helped create. I have always been impressed by Joan’s experience, hard work, creativity, and problem-solving skills while working with elected officials, government staff, and a variety of nonprofit groups to raise millions of dollars for wetlands restoration projects through legislation, state budget requests, and state bond measures. Much of that funding helped Santa Barbara County and the 3rd District protect and restore coastal resources. Among Joan’s many strengths is her ability to develop winning strategies to achieve her goals. Joan has a proven record of success, and I think constituents of the 3rd District will benefit greatly by having Joan represent them on the county’s Board of Supervisors.
Steven Aceti, JD, is executive director of the California Coastal Coalition (CalCoast)