I read, with no small degree of amusement, Shirlee Heitman’s letter (“Get educated about local community organizations,” March 26) in response to my commentary published in the March 12 edition of the Sun (“Know before you vote”).
Ms. Heitman takes me to task for my characterization of local nonprofits Indivisible Santa Maria, MICOP, CAUSE, and the Fund for Santa Barbara as activist organizations and proceeds to declare that I am “non-informed,” which she attempts to remedy by quoting the mission statements of each organization.
Mission statements are interesting things. Lofty and aspirational, they purport to indicate the true direction and goals of their organization, much like the campaign promises and pledges we so often hear from those who aspire to elected office. Like campaign promises, mission statements are largely used to increase membership and support as well as for fundraising purposes.
And like campaign promises following an election, the actions we see from the successful candidate may vary widely from what was promised. Those promises are often forgotten. And so it goes with nonprofits and their mission statements.
My characterizations of the local activist organizations contained in my earlier letter were based on years of careful observation of those organizations’ actions, not the promises contained in their mission statements. I remain solidly behind them.
I also remain solidly behind Maribel Aguilera as the superior choice for 5th District supervisor.
Roy Reed
Santa Maria
This article appears in April 2 – April 9, 2026.
