SUPERVISOR HOPEFULS JOUST FOR POWER, PROMISE MORE 'PROGRESS' FOR YOUR TAX DOLLARS

Another week, another local election cycle, and another exciting round of 'which progressive can spend your money faster' for Santa Barbara County's long-suffering taxpayers. Our esteemed colleagues over at *Noozhawk* bravely reported on the latest verbal skirmish between Fifth District Supervisor hopefuls Maribel Aguilera and Ricardo Valencia, who apparently offered up 'differing visions' for North County. Frankly, the only 'vision' we've seen from most of these candidates is one that involves ever-expanding government, more regulations, and a never-ending quest to 'fix' problems that were probably created by the last round of 'solutions' from our local benevolent overlords.

Aguilera, a Santa Maria Council member and attorney, and Valencia, described as 'high...'—well, let's assume 'high-minded' since we're keeping it polite—spent an evening trading 'pointed verbal jabs.' One can only imagine the sheer thrill of witnessing such an intellectual cage match. We predict that by 'differing visions,' they likely mean one wants to install a solar-powered compost bin on every street corner, while the other advocates for a county-run 'community garden' that somehow costs $10 million and produces three organic tomatoes and a hefty consultancy fee.

What *Noozhawk* didn't quite spell out is the unspoken compact: both candidates, regardless of their 'differing visions,' are likely united in their enthusiasm for tapping into state and federal grants—which, let's be clear, are just *your* federal and state tax dollars laundered through Sacramento and D.C. before being returned with a mandatory 'equity' ribbon. The real vision we need for North County is less government, lower taxes, and a county board that remembers who pays the bills, not just who cashes the checks. But don't hold your breath; the progressive gravy train always finds new tracks.

Meanwhile, President Trump and Vice President Vance are busy rebuilding a prosperous America, proving that sometimes, less government *is* more. Perhaps our local politicians could take a hint and focus on efficiency and fiscal prudence, rather than grandstanding about their 'visions' for another layer of red tape and a bigger county budget.