Santa Cruz County’s District 1 supervisor candidates are getting ready for the March election, and to help our readers understand the candidates positions, we’ve gathered their campaign statements and present them here together. (Betsy Riker, medical professional, did not file a statement)
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Benjamin “Ben” T. Cogan
Self employed, Age 36
Benjamin Cogan
I am running to make a difference because I believe in Santa Cruz. I see our government slipping away from the will of the people. Local policy is currently coming from appointed officials, stake holders and outside interest groups in the form of regional policy.
AMBAG represents this. I will insure that the people’s voice is heard as part of the policy making process. I have been a full time mechanic for over 12 years and work hard like you to pay my bills. I have a strong passion for our freedom. The constitution was written to protect people like us from government overreach and preserve our unalienable rights.
I honor the position of county Supervisor as a way of service and a responsibility like jury duty. Standing up to unjust laws, unnecessary regulations and protecting property rights. I’m interested in re-instating the citizen’s appeals board for the planning department. I will open the dialog on potential impacts of the 5G infrastructure.
I would like to find solutions for the housing crisis and create community gardens. I am a BSA Eagle Scout. On March 3rd I recommend we vote via paper ballot, and then I request your vote.
831-200-4022 • [email protected] • www.benjamincogan.com
Mark Esquibel
Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Age 47
Contaminated homeless encampments, sky-high taxes, needles everywhere, neglected roads, endless Highway 1 gridlock, “catch-and-release” for violent offenders, greedy out-of-town developers denying public access, a mental health crisis, and a billion dollar fantasy railroad bankrupting local taxpayers.
Is this the Surf City paradise that we grew up in? Enough is enough. Over 10 years of electing the status quo has taken its toll on our community. Everywhere around us, there are major challenges that go on ignored by the local political establishment. People have asked me, “Why are you running for this office?” So let me ask you this…are you better off now than you were a decade ago? If your answer is no, keep reading.
I have 20 years of experience in successfully managing hazardous and potentially life-threatening disasters. Having been raised by a single Mom, I value family and am a working father of three. In my early years, I served my community as a beach lifeguard assisting in ocean rescues. As a native son of Santa Cruz, I know I’m not alone in wanting to take pride in our hometown again.
It’s time for real representation, real change, and real results. Make your mark. Vote Mark Esquibel for Supervisor.
831-430-2053 • [email protected] • www.mark4super.com
John Leopold
Incumbent, Age 54
John Leopold
As your Supervisor, I continue to work tirelessly to strengthen our community, empower our neighborhoods and accomplish our shared goals.
We have protected our neighborhoods by limiting vacation rentals. When oil companies eyed our county for new development, we developed regulations that made us the first to ban fracking in the state. When flight paths changed causing severe noise pollution, we forced the FAA to come to the table to address the concerns of our community.
Through our shared commitment to our community we have built a Boys & Girls Club, the first family healthcare office in Live Oak, Heart of Soquel Park and the first all-inclusive playground at Chanticleer Park. Partnering with our schools we have created the award-winning Cradle to Career program, helping families achieve their hopes and dreams.
The experience I have gained and the trust you have given me has produced results. Let’s continue by protecting our neighbors in mobile home parks from out-of-town speculators and provide resources for our most vulnerable families. Let’s work together to address the critical issues of transportation, climate change and affordable housing.
No one will outwork me. No one will listen more attentively. Send me your ideas: [email protected].
On March 3rd, please vote for John Leopold.
831-566-0122 • [email protected] • www.friendsofjohnleopold.com
Donald Kase Kreutz
Temp Worker
My name is Donald Kase Kreutz and I am running for Supervisor in the First District of Santa Cruz County. It is time at a local level to accomplish tasks that our leaders are incapable of resolving.
In broad strokes, and with apologies for the brevity of my explanation, I would pursue the following: build affordable housing, increase tenant protection including for mobile home owners, mobile home park rule changes and code enforcement, immediate naturalization for all foreign born residents, jobs training, increase 24 by 24 public transit while limiting auto access for non-residents, Aeolians on Summit Road, universal rent control, increase minimum wage, all employers required to provide some benefits.
The big votes: banning of all private firearm ownership including for police, an end to local taxpayer support for all United States wars and if passed, secession-parliamentary democracy-protection by a civilian army (Swiss model), a future as a true civilized democracy, beyond the NRA, CIA, the neo cons or the greed that is destroying the world, country and our lives.
Manu Koenig
Local Environmental Consultant, Age 34
Manu Koenig
Santa Cruz County has been my family’s home for three generations. I’m committed to helping our community overcome impossible housing costs, stifling traffic, and appalling suffering among the homeless, so that this remains a great place to live.
I’m motivated by the climate crisis and have dedicated my career to building political will through community engagement and new solutions. After graduating from Stanford University, I founded a company enabling anyone to propose new policy and vote online. As Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Greenway I’ve advocated tirelessly for bike and pedestrian safety, building a trail in the rail corridor, and using our tax dollars wisely.
Having served on the Board of Directors for my own business, as well as that of Digital Nest, and the City of Santa Cruz’s Downtown Commission, I understand the importance of proactively setting the agenda.
I will set the agenda to serve you by: helping first time home buyers, building affordable housing, improving public transit, installing protected bike lanes, reducing needle litter and getting vulnerable people off of the streets and into places where they can heal.
Together we’ll make our county government transparent, responsive, and effective.
I’d be honored by your vote.
831-234-3922 • [email protected] • www.manukoenig.com
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