Make Your Voice Heard on March 5

Money in politics has been something we have seen for too long, and the results have been devastating. The 1st District Supervisor race pits incumbent Das Williams against challenger Roy Lee. Williams, with substantial campaign funds, has continued to accept financial contributions from the cannabis industry, despite the ethical concerns highlighted by the 2020 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury report.

In 2019, Supervisor Williams pledged to stop accepting campaign funds from cannabis operators amid criticism over his conflict of interest in creating the county’s cannabis regulations. Sadly, but not surprisingly, he has since broken this promise. Recent campaign disclosures have shown a predictable reversal, with Williams receiving several contributions from cannabis-related entities, including a $5,000 donation from a Carpinteria cannabis grower.

This reversal is not just a question of campaign finance; it strikes at the heart of integrity, honesty, and the trust we place in our elected officials. Williams’ backtrack from his promise represents a profound breach of trust, highlighting a critical need for leaders who are steadfast in their commitments and place the community’s well-being at the forefront.

The core issue of this campaign transcends monetary contributions; it centers on integrity and character. The choice is stark: between a career politician who has backtracked on his promises and misled his constituents, as evidenced by lingering frustrations in Montecito over the removal of critical safety ring nets post-mudslide, and an alternative promising a new direction.

Roy Lee vows, “I pledge to maintain a campaign finance record free from the influence of controversial contributions and to advocate for policies that truly align with our community’s best interests.”

As voters, we must demand our resources are utilized judiciously, not squandered on repaying contributions or serving special interests. With ballots now distributed, we face a decision by March 5^th: to opt for leadership and representation that genuinely reflect our values and aspirations. Make your voice heard by mailing your ballot or delivering it to the Santa Barbara elections offices by March 5^th.

Rosanne Crawford

Public Servant or Career Politician?

This is our simple choice in the upcoming election of 1st District Supervisor of Santa Barbara County.

Roy Lee is a rare individual. A true public servant who has no further political aspirations other than serving the community where he lives and works. He has proven this by his dedicated work on the Carpinteria City Council and as a hard-working business owner.

Das Williams is a career politician who already has his sights set on a state senate seat and depends on his party’s good graces and other special interests to advance those future job advancements. He has proven this with the cannabis permitting fiasco, the opposition to the La Cumbre master planning development, and the abrupt removal of the Montecito ring nets.

We will always have an overabundance of career politicians to wade through, but how often do we get the opportunity to elect a true servant of the people?

I, for one, am ready for a public servant.

Lynn Turner, Carpinteria resident