I've
known Joan Hartmann for many years, and the one thing that has always impressed
me is how deeply committed she is to working with all sides on an issue.
Whether she was volunteering as a citizen to help lead Buellton citizens to
take hold of the decisions regarding the boundaries of their community, or
promoting finding common ground as a member of the Planning Commission on
contentious land-use issues, especially in the Santa Ynez Valley, Joan seeks to
build coalitions of inclusiveness. She does not engage in finger pointing.
Her’s is
a practical approach, not one of a demagogue, and the results speak for
themselves. For example, her leadership as a member of the Board of Supervisors
has resulted in remarkable forward-thinking with the development of the
Strategic Energy Plan, a renewable energy initiative that will provide the
citizens of Santa Barbara County with competitively-priced carbon-free
electricity for generations to come and one of the first to do so in our state.
You can
talk to Joan and she listens. And she cares about what you say. It is as simple
as that. What more can you wish for from an elected official? I am supporting
Joan for re-election. I hope you do, too.