I attended the recent debate in Isla Vista, hosted by university radio station KCSB, between the candidates for county supervisor, and after making my way through the hecklers at the door I sat beside two students from this great university. For the first time in this ridiculous election season, I was truly hopeful as my two seatmates were polite and genuinely interested in hearing both candidates and making an informed decision. This proved to be challenging as members of the Hartmann team seemed intent on disrupting Mr. Porter’s remarks. Equally discouraging was the intimidating and nasty tone of the disruptive students, and yet my seatmates remained undaunted in their effort to hear from the candidates.
My faith was restored when after a highly disruptive and rude departure by Ms. Hartmann’s supporters during Mr. Porter’s closing statement, a clear majority of the audience remained to hear Porter complete his remarks. Most surprising was the vocal applause at the end of Porter’s remarks, and I sense he struck a chord. Porter was approachable, well researched, and informative about what he would do if elected. He spoke less in generalities than his opponent and showed a particular drive for improving the lives of citizens of Isla Vista, and it seemed to resonate with my seatmates.
As we made our way out of the event and through the crowd of activists, we agreed that despite the distractions, Porter made a compelling case and was a genuinely nice man. They were moved by concern for the environment and for a safer Isla Vista and were embarrassed by their peers’ behavior. For myself, I am interested in solutions, and Porter has my vote. I am pleased that my seatmates shared my enthusiasm.
