Extreme gratitude, but we aren’t done yet
I am extremely grateful to the voters of the Pajaro Valley for supporting our campaign for Santa Cruz County Supervisor. We are headed into the November runoff in a strong position. With over 46% of the vote, a large majority of voters believe our campaign will best serve the residents of our valley. This would not be possible without our campaign’s wide range of support from so many residents of our district. We look forward to carrying that same sentiment into the general election. Thank you for believing in me to bring real results to our community. I remain dedicated to working hard for the best interests of the Pajaro Valley. Over the past several months, I was able to have many conversations with our community members. I shared with our residents the vision I have for our community. I reflected back on my record as Watsonville’s mayor and as a current city council member to provide proven results and leadership. We ran a grassroots campaign and you, the community, helped make that happen. We did not depend on Sacramento dollars, special interest groups and voices from other parts of our region to tell us who needs to represent our valley. I am deeply honored by your trust in our campaign and our vision for our community.
In the June primary there was a measure on the ballot that caused some deep division throughout our local communities. I always remained neutral on Measure D. I left the decision up to the voters and promised to honor the will of the people. The people have now spoken. I will keep my word and respect the voice of the voters. My goal is to continue building bridges between the good people on both sides of this measure in hopes that we may restore the unity our community deserves. Moving forward there may be some people attempting to twist my words or question my integrity in order to fit their narrative and define me. Most won’t live in the 4th county supervisorial district or even personally know me. Let my words in this statement be my truth.
Though we are in a great position, our job is not done. We need to continue pushing forward until the November election, which is less than 100 days from now. I am confident with your continued support, we can bring the voice to the Pajaro Valley that we deserve. Thank you and onward to November.
Jimmy Dutra, Watsonville
Democracy is on the ballot on Nov. 8
During the Jan. 6 hearings, we’ve heard from former members of the Trump administration and Republican state officials about how Trump and his allies worked together to try and overthrow our democracy because the 2020 presidential election didn’t go their way. Now, they’re working to make sure all of our elections go their way in the future, whether we vote for them or not.
Already, Trumpers in office have changed state laws to weaken our freedom to vote and threatened Republican election administrators who won’t go along with them. Now, they’re running candidates for key election administration offices, from secretary of state to county clerk. Should they win their elections this fall, these officials won’t hesitate to overturn future elections if they or their MAGA allies lose.
This completely undermines the tenets of our democracy. The only way we’re going to protect our elections is to fight back and make our voices heard.
We have to cast our ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. It’s up to us to hold election deniers accountable at the polls and elect democracy defenders up and down the ballot on Nov. 8.
Araceli Quintero, Moss Landing
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