I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Joan Hartmann for reelection as 3rd District representative to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
I had the opportunity to attend the Lompoc candidate forum last week. I listened as the candidates responded to questions and was struck by two things.
The first thing I noticed was Frank Troise’s arrogant, “in-your-face” approach. He repeatedly stated that the county is hundreds of millions in debt, the only reason the budget is “balanced” is because it is underfunded, and that there is a dire need for more cash. Simultaneously, he slammed Supervisor Hartmann for voting for the ambulance contract with County Fire, even though her vote was about cost savings. Apparently he is willing to pay millions to AMR while wanting more millions to fund a balanced budget. He can’t have it both ways.