The 3rd District Supervisor race got a little more crowded last week with the announcement that Victoria Pointer, a former three-term mayor and current city council member of Buellton, is joining the four other candidates vying for the seat.

Pointer is the latest candidate to emerge in the race to represent the 3rd District of Santa Barbara County, which includes Isla Vista and the surrounding area at the county level. Other candidates include former 2nd District Planning Commissioner Doreen Farr, I.V. Medical Clinic founder Dr. David Bearman, current Los Olivos School District board member Steven Pappas and former Solvang Mayor Dave Smyser. Brooks Firestone, the current supervisor, is stepping down after this term.

Pointer said her decades of public service will allow her to successfully ensure the economic vitality of the county. She said her campaign aims at balancing the county budget and bringing the northern and southern halves of the county closer together.

“I think a significant issue facing our county is to ensure we can efficiently provide services and programs for county constituents at a level that is equal to their expectations,” Pointer said. “Constituents deserve a level of service that more closely measures up to the tax dollars the County receives.”

According to Pointer, fiscal development and responsibility are key issues for the County.

“We need to focus on economic development, fiscal prudence and financial accountability, especially during this budget crunch,” Pointer said. “I would be hard pressed to focus on one specific goal, I believe our county has the capability to improve and build upon our successes in many different aspects.”

As Supervisor, Pointer said she would address the issues of jail overcrowding, the economic contributions of the Chumash Casino, the sustainability of our coastline, the efficiency of traffic, the establishment of recreational programs and the community involvement at UCSB.

Increasing UCSB’s Involvement

Pointer said she understands the importance UCSB has in the community and hopes to talk with students about it who she said utilize a significant amount of off-campus services managed by the County.

“I hope to facilitate communication with the university community,” Pointer said. “It’s been absent for a very long time and each have been operating independently to a certain degree. Although the university itself operates with a certain level of autonomy, the County is responsible for managing outlying areas – in particular, Isla Vista and portions of Goleta.”

She said she would like to increase the amount of collaboration between the county and UCSB.

“County leaders must recognize this mutually dependent relationship,” Pointer said. “We must work together to manage the demands of our constituents in a way that promotes an active, healthy, safe and thriving quality of life for visitors, students and residents who live, work and play in our county.”

Of the five candidates running for the position, Pointer said she was the one candidate who could more clearly see the different sides of each issue.

“I really feel I can offer something to the university community that I haven’t seen brought to the table thus far,” Pointer said. “I’m the candidate that offers a moderate, alternative voice because I am able to understand and empathize with those coming from opposite ends of the spectrum.”

Pointer’s Track Record

Beginning as a chair on the Parent Teacher Student Association Board of Directors for Jonata School in 1988, Pointer said she has had a longtime passion for community involvement.

“I have always been interested in politics,” Pointer said. “I have always enjoyed participation and service on various boards and commissions throughout my political career.”

In 1990, she began working for the Santa Barbara County Education Office, Department of Special Education, and two years later took her place as the only woman on Buellton’s City Council.

“My public service began with the City of Buellton at its incorporation in 1992 and has helped shape it into a vibrant and progressive city,” Pointer said. “I have had extensive leadership education through the League of California Cities whose goal is to provide public servants with the appropriate tools to perform at the highest level. I have been very involved in the League’s Mayor and Councilmember Leadership Academy, which gave me a great foundation to serve the public in the highest capacity.”

Pointer has also served on the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, the Air Pollution Control District and the California Council of Governments.

Pointer has asked anyone who has questions or who would simply wish to talk with her to contact her via her email at victoriapointerforsupervisor@gmail.com.

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