Representatives from 10 local groups gathered in downtown Santa Barbara Wednesday to announce their endorsement of John Buttny for 3rd District supervisor and Salud Carbajal for 1st District supervisor.

The endorsement, which took place at noon on the steps of the County Administration Building, gave representatives the organizations a chance to formally state their endorsements, share the reasons behind them and express their hopes for the future.

The event was hosted by Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN) and featured representatives from Citizens for Goleta Valley, Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Locals 535 and 620, and the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee.

David Fortson of SBCAN said the upcoming election will be crucial to the welfare of the county and many of the groups present will be seriously affected by the outcome. Fortson said there is a 3-2 majority in favor of the Democrats at present, and his main goal is to ensure that majority stays intact.

“Our mission is clear – to preserve the majority that is currently advocating environmental and social issues,” Fortson said.

Elizabeth Owen of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee said her organization voted overwhelmingly in favor of Buttny and Carbajal. Owen said she urges Santa Barbara residents to vote accordingly for the benefit of the entire county.

“This is not about political power,” Owen said. “This is about political service.”

Mick Robinson of SEIU Local 620 said the union uses a questionnaire and interview process to determine which candidate best represents labor interests. Robinson said the decision was made to support Buttny after his answers in both sections were rated as “superb.”

“John has always given strong support to labor,” Robinson said.

Vernon Schabert, chair of the Santa Barbara Democratic Central Committee, said he believes Buttny and Carbajal will represent Santa Barbara faithfully if they are elected.

“Both candidates are dedicated to preserving the things that make our city special: our environment and our people,” Schaber said.