Every election is important, but in this election there are races and propositions, the outcomes of which are absolutely critical to the fate of our nation, state, county, and local jurisdictions.
A key race in determining our future in Santa Barbara County is the race for supervisor of the 4th District. I have known my good friend Joni Gray since the days of our youth. She was appointed by Gov. Wilson to the seat in August of 1998 and was formally elected in November of that year. She has had my support in the past, but there has been an eroding of support among her constituents, and I too have come to the sad realization that she has become a part of the problem at a time when we desperately need solutions.
I hope that our friendship will continue through the coming years, but I cannot support her in the coming election. I am very pleased to enthusiastically endorse Peter Adam, an eminently successful businessman and farmer who will be part of the solution to the problems that have become deeply rooted in our county.
Peter understands the fiscal and leadership crisis facing our district and county, and he has the knowledge and leadership ability to effect the changes that are required. He is intelligent, articulate, and has an innate ability to find solutions to challenges.
A few years ago at a California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, there was a very contentious situation regarding water rights. Peter was astonishing as he worked between several delegations with vastly differing viewpoints and ultimately succeeded in forming a strong coalition between those delegate bodies from around the state. Through his efforts, the Farm Bureau’s legislative advocacy was strengthened.
I know that with Peter Adam on the board of supervisors, we will have a commonsense advocate who will spend more of his time and less of our money on county business.
The position of supervisor is serious, and we deserve public servants who take the job seriously. Peter Adam is such a person, and he has my unqualified support and my vote. I hope he has yours as well.
This article appears in Nov 1-7, 2012.
