Carpinteria Mayor Donna Jordan (pictured) announced that after
16 years in public office she won’t seek re-election this fall.
Jordan – a congenial slow-growther, professional tutor, and
registered Republican – was part of the council majority that
slowed down development plans for the Carpinteria Bluffs long
enough for Carpinteria activists to raise the $4 million necessary
to buy the land for the community. Jordan explained her hearing
loss has gotten bad enough to interfere with her ability to perform
effectively. Jordan said she hopes her announcement will give
slow-growth activists time enough to find a suitable replacement
candidate for this November’s election. Two years ago, the
slow-growthers found themselves in such disarray they all but
forced Councilmember Michael Leadbetter – who had stepped down – to
run. He won. Also on the ballot in November will be Greg Gandrud,
the gay libertarian vegetarian, who’s focused his energies on
widening Highway 101. Since Jordan was first elected,
slow-growthers have controlled a council majority in Carpinteria.
With Jordan out, there’s a stronger possibility that the moderate
slow-growth camp could lose their grip.
