Building Counties We Can Count On: Board of Supervisors Races

Building Counties We Can Count On: Board of Supervisors Races

Los Angeles:
Recently LA County and City workers came together with over 400 SEIU homecare, education and healthcare workers to question the 2nd District county Supervisor candidates. We asked them tough questions to find who would best respect public services workers and the important services we provide, who would champion the reopening of MLK Hospital and who would stand up against contracting out our jobs.

SEIU 721 members voted overwhelmingly to endorse Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas. With Ridley-Thomas on the Board we can make vital improvements to public services and to working conditions for employees. He is distinguished by his outstanding record as a civil rights leader and consistent support for working families. Mark Ridley-Thomas is a force for progressive change on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Ventura:
Ventura County and City workers interviewed county Supervisor candidates at a recent Town Hall. After reviewing their survey responses, members recommended to endorse all incumbents: Steve Bennett, John Flynn, and Kathy Long.

For the first time ever, these candidates had to walk a day in our members’ shoes as part of their endorsement process. Supervisor John Flynn walked a day in member Karen Garrett’s shoes, a Housekeeper for Ventura County Medical Center. Supervisor Kathy Long, walked a day in member Dave Gomez’ shoes, a Jail Cook, for the Ventura County Main Jail. Supervisor Steve Bennett walked in Bob Wisma’s shoes, an Animal Control Officer II.

Santa Barbara:
SEIU Locals 620 & 721 recently recommended endorsements for the 3rd and 4th Supervisorial districts. The endorsement process began by sending out questionnaires to the candidates. Only those who responded were allowed to participate in our endorsement process. That included Doreen Farr and Victoria Pointer, both candidates from the 3rd District and John Sterling, candidate from the 4th District. Then we held a town hall meeting to meet the candidates and get their views.