Honesty and independence matter, vote for Dan Carpenter

October 20, 2016

OPINION by SAM BLAKESLEE

After long and careful thought, I’ve decided to endorse Dan Carpenter in the District 3 supervisor race, the district in which I reside.

It wasn’t an easy decision because this race has become highly contentious. Many of the campaign mailers have contained charges and accusations that have stretched the truth to the breaking point.

Therefore, I feel honor bound to weigh-in with my observations regarding the person I believe is best qualified to serve as our next District 3 supervisor.

For me, the top criteria in endorsing in this race is a review of a candidate’s temperament, life experience, public service, integrity, and importantly – independence.

For some years now, I have been powerfully impressed by Dan Carpenter’s thoughtful approach toward public service. Dan has had the courage of his conviction and is willing to make a tough vote if it’s right for the community.

Dan is not someone who can be intimidated or manipulated by political parties, by powerful donors, or by overbearing staff. He brings an old-school sense of honor and integrity to public service.

Many is the time I’ve seen him engaged in deep conversation with a member of the community he may have chanced to encounter during the course of his day. He takes the time to listen.

In my own interactions I’ve found him to be an intensely thoughtful person who takes the time to learn the issues and then make his own decisions, independently.

As the author of the successful 2000 DREAM Initiative, which directed the county to protect the Diablo Coastline after the plant’s closure, I’ve been deeply impressed by Dan’s early and outspoken commitment to respect the will of the voters and to preserve Wild Cherry Canyon, which is so important to the future wellbeing of the Avila Valley.

I haven’t agreed with every vote Dan has cast, but I’ve always been impressed by the process he has used to inform his vote, which is what really matters. He is balanced, honest, thoughtful, and independent – all qualities which are in short supply and qualities that would serve our community well were he to earn your vote as our next District 3 supervisor.

Sam Blakeslee is a former State Senator and Assemblyman.