The Independent ran a Voice favoring Wendy Santamaria for City Council, yet only two of the seven authors resides in the district. The authors are trying to subvert the intent of district elections, which is local representation, to assert their special interests. As true local stakeholders in the Eastside community, we are deeply concerned.
We’re raising our voices in support of Alejandra Gutierrez and election integrity:
Frank Banales: I’m a member of the District Elections Committee that fought to establish district elections in the City of Santa Barbara. I was also born and raised in what is now the 1st District. The goal of the District Election Committee was to have local advocates in the community to run as candidates in the district for city council. Alejandra Gutierrez is such an incumbent representative who possesses the experience and proven leadership, which earns her the respect of voters to consider her for a second term…