Issues
Government Accountability
Government at all levels must be accountable to the citizens of the community for which it serves. With partisan rivalry paralyzing effective policymaking at the National and State level, it is now more important than ever that local government is responsive, accountable and able to serve their constituents. Since being elected in 2008, I have worked diligently to make county government more transparent and accessible to the residents of Santa Barbara County and the Third District in particular. Frequent outreach into the communities I represent via “sidewalk office hours” at libraries and farmers markets, as well as periodic newsletters on local issues, has allowed me to bring County government closer to the taxpayers and voters who live here and provide an opportunity to solicit their input and answer their questions. I will continue to work to improve the connection between government and the people as a member of the Board of Supervisors so as to be kept current and responsive to the ever changing needs of all parts of the diverse district I represent.
Economic Development and Jobs
Over the past few years the world, national, and local economy has experienced a devastating downturn and extended recession which has affected people of all ages and income levels, with the middle class and the poorest being the hardest hit. Many people have lost their jobs and their homes during this time. As a county Supervisor and former small business owner, I have been working very hard to support our local businesses and farmers. I continue to look for ways to generate revenue and stimulate our local economy to create more job opportunities at all salary levels. I have supported economic programs to increase tourism, the county film commission, redevelopment, and to build new infrastructure and affordable housing. We can and will do more in the coming months to build a more resilient local economy. I am working to bring business and community groups together with the educational institutions in our County like the University of California Santa Barbara. Such partnerships can support new startup companies that will eventually lead to a more diversified economy for our County.
Agricultural and Environmental Preservation
I am committed to preserving the agricultural land in our county and protecting the Gaviota Coast. The beauty and diversity of the natural environment of our county is a key factor in the quality of life our residents enjoy and what makes it so attractive to tourists. My district contains more miles of California coastline than any other so issues concerning protection of biodiversity, public access and ocean water quality are a very high priority for me. We must respect our environment and maintain the protections we have put in place over the years. In addition, I recently initiated and supported new regulations to protect agriculture and the quality of our groundwater when the oil extraction process known as “fracking” is being considered. Agriculture is our county’s number one economic industry. Since being elected, I have fought to preserve the county funding for the Williamson Act, the Act that protects agricultural lands from development, even when the state government eliminated these important funds.
