Who Will Succeed Firestone?

In the wake of Brooks Firestone’s announcement two weeks ago that he will not seek re-election to the position of 3rd District Supervisor, rumors are abounding as to who might fill his shoes as a more conservative-minded property rights view point in the county. Santa Barbara taxpayers Association chief Joe Armendariz sent out a mailer declaring his enthusiasm for Mike Stoker, a recent transplant to the Santa Ynez Valley, who in years past represented both the 5th and the 2nd districts on the board. Stoker currently works for State Senator Tom McClintock and has indicated an interest in running for his seat when term limits force McClintock from his current office. Likewise, former Sheriff Jim Anderson is exploring his future political career after failing to win re-election last year, and reportedly appeared at two exploratory fundraisers hosted by Andy Granatelli. Firestone has one year left on his term. On the liberal-Democratic side, former second district planning commissioner Doreen Farr and Dave Bearman of the Goleta West Sanitary District have both announced their intentions to run for the key swing seat on the board of supervisors.