Council Should Serve the Public

In reading a letter regarding Councilmember Hotchkiss and his attitude about bicycles I became incensed. This person is a sitting member of our council, not by election, but rather by some regulatory default.

I then pondered if he is another “transplant” who thinks he knows better what is best for Santa Barbara. I recall that during his bid for the seat he occupies by some default that he made statements about how he is a car guy, and we should just do away with MTD and allow for more parking so car people can do as they want, when they want.

This comes from a person supposedly here to help guide and protect our city, the environment, and our resources. Allegedly this is a green and forward-thinking council. With his attitude, it is only forward if he’s looking in his rear view mirror or back window driving backward.

Many people who helped build this community and keep it working rely on the transit system, their bicycles, and sometimes both. Me, I am a native son, born and raised in Santa Barbara, as well as work here serving the community as an operator for MTD. I like to serve the people here.

As a member of the City Council, Hotchkiss is charged as a steward of the community. The definition of stewardship is a servant of those you represent and not your own interests.

Help keep Santa Barbara green and forward thinking. Bicycles are a necessary mode of transportation as well as the transit system for some of us. How is it appropriate to reduce one’s ability to get to work in helping maintain Santa Barbara or other work by taking either away?

Bicycle safety and road sharing is real, necessary, and important to many citizens of this town.