COUNTY SPLIT: Brasket Says, "We Don't Need It!"

In her well thought-out Looking Forward commentary in the Santa Maria Times on January 20, 2006, Deborah Brasket, North County vice-president of Santa Barbara County Action Network (SB CAN) poses important questions for citizens regarding the proposed county split.

In her commentary, she reminds us that the most important question to be considered is the motive for splitting the county. 

Originally, according to Brasket, back in February, 2002, when the Citizens for County Organization (CFCO) was first formed, the basic reasons given for splitting the county were irreconcilable economic, political and philosophical differences between the north and south county.

"The main problem," Brasket states, "seemed to be that North County supervisors did not have enough votes to pass regulations and ordinances they wanted."

"However," Brasket continues, "four years later, the politics of the county have changed.  Now, North County supervisors, with the help of the newly elected third district supervisor, have the majority."

Brasket asks the obvious question:  "Why would North County residents want to split away from the south at a time when North County interests have a majority in county politics?"

Why would they, indeed?

                                                                                              One Tin Soldier