More than One Side to Das Williams

Seeing all the political ads lately, I feel compelled to write in a letter of support for Das Williams for 1st District Supervisor.

I’ve lived in the 1st District for many years. It’s much more diverse than people realize, with residents of all income levels, as well as different ethnic backgrounds. I appreciate the fact that Das Williams recognizes and cares about the full range of 1st District residents.

Das himself has both Asian and European ancestry. He understands both perspectives and experiences. As someone who put himself through college and grad school, he knows about economic insecurity: He and his family live in a multi-ethnic, lower-middle-class neighborhood in Carpinteria. He’s had personal experience of economic hardship and racial difference, which gives depth to his concerns about working families.

As the father of two young daughters, Das understands the struggles of raising a family in a place where the cost of living is so high. His passionate commitment to environmental protection, leading Santa Barbara County to renewable energy sources, is about ensuring that his girls, like our children and grandchildren, will have a future.

It’s important that our elected officials reflect the diversity of our community, so that everyone who lives here feels like they have a voice. Re-electing Das Williams means not just keeping his experience and commitment to our community but reassuring all of our county residents that there is a place on the dais for them too!