Santa Barbara County Democratic Party

Helene SchneiderDianne ChanningOlivia UribeGrant House

Santa Barbara Democratic Party Endorses Schneider for Mayor

Channing, House, Uribe for City Council

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County has endorsed candidates for Mayor and City Council in the Santa Barbara Municipal elections to be held in the fall of 2009. This election season presented us with a strong field of candidates, each bringing different strengths to the table. While it was not an easy decision, we chose four candidates who bring diverse perspectives, a wide range of of experience and a deep commitment to Democratic values.

These difficult times demand serious and experienced leadership and fiscal discipline. Democrats in Santa Barbara will work hard to ensure that we don’t balance our budget on the backs of the poor and most vulnerable. Additionally, hard times are not an excuse to abandon environmental principles or our commitment to a livable city. We will continue to work for sustainable, equitable and smart city policies. We seek leaders that are capable of effectively defending and unifying our city, as the disastrous state budget failure and the national crisis threaten our future. Finally, the difficult decisions that face us must be shared by a diverse and inclusive leadership that will represent all parts of our city. We believe our endorsements serve that end.

We are proud to endorse Councilmember Helene Schneider for Mayor. Santa Barbara will be strengthened by the forward thinking and long-term vision of a Mayor Schneider, who has proven her energy, intelligence and progressive values as a member of the Council.

The Party also proudly endorses a slate of candidates for council that represent the best of Santa Barbara. Our council candidates include a small business-owner, a stalwart neighborhood preservation activist and a fresh voice for underrepresented communities. These candidates are Councilmember Grant House, Dianne Channing, and Oliva Uribe.

In the fall of 2008, an unprecedented 75% of Santa Barbara voters supported the Democratic Party nominee for President, because Democrats provided a vision of progressive change for the country. Santa Barbara Democrats seek to adopt that vision for our local leadership and our city. Party activists will work hard to support our endorsed candidates, to increase turnout among Democrats during this off-year election, and promote Democratic values and participation in Santa Barbara.

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