Cheers, Salud

It appalls me that someone would try to cast doubt on Salud Carbajal’s fitness to represent us in Congress by implying that he has been personally financially irresponsible. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The Independent’s coverage of Supervisor Carbajal’s financial history tells a typical American story of someone who started with nothing, managed to get an advanced education and raise a family, served in the military, and has worked ever since as a public servant. His wife works in the nonprofit sector; he draws a government salary far lower than you might expect. This is a story of a modest lifestyle, juggling to make ends meet in a very expensive place to live and living with the debt that so many Americans now have to carry.

Supervisor Carbajal is not in default. His taxes are paid up and have been for over 15 years. He lives very modestly on the lower Westside. And while on the Board of Supervisors, he has been a voice for fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget.

I suppose his opponents have nothing stronger to use and are resorting to these innuendos to try to derail his campaign. But in doing so, they insult the many struggling residents of this community who also carry debts and live modestly, and who deserve a congressional representative who will fight for them — as Salud will.