The field of candidates for the 3rd District Supervisor seat has become crowded, and one recent announcement used my name, implying an endorsement. That is absolutely not the case. My enthusiastic support is for Bruce Porter, who would serve very well as county supervisor.
Bruce Porter brings a background of philosophy and skill that very much fits our county. He has two master’s degrees in engineering and a successful 25-year career in the Army Corps of Engineers. This experience qualifies him to work on our infrastructure and water shortage. Additionally, he is an authority on oil safety and clean up, having been assigned to the first Gulf War, Kuwaiti oil disaster cleanup, which was 30 times greater than our 1969 Carpinteria spill!
When Bruce retired from his Army career, he and his family moved to the Santa Ynez Valley because he recognized the land use policies that have given us a heritage of clean and open spaces. He believes in the integrity of zoning and supports agriculture and open spaces. At the same time, he is not a single-issue person and understands the balance of property rights and the need for a healthy economy to support our beautiful Central Coast. He is strongly and effectively opposed to the expansion of the Chumash resort and gaming whose proposals overturn our zoning heritage.
Bruce Porter believes in service and giving back to the community. He has served on many nonprofit boards and is now a two-term member and past chair of the Santa Ynez School Board.
I enthusiastically endorse and support Bruce Porter for supervisor.
Brooks Firestone is a former 3rd District supervisor.