Numerous Sonoma County Gazette readers have asked me what people are doing to SUPPORT Efren Carrillo as our 5th District Supervisor. I personally endorse my supervisor and have consistently asked people to look at the GOOD he has done for his district to balance against the personal mistake he made that has generated opposition and venom.

Any person who attends hearings of the Board of Supervisors, attends Community Meetings in their home towns on important issues, is on a committee who has asked Efren for help, has watched him work with people on opposite sides of an issue to help them come to consensus, has rallied around a cause that needed his support, has even disagreed with a vote he made but studied the issue enough to understand his perspective – KNOWS that this man is INTELLIGENT, CARES about his community, WORKS HARD at his job and SERVES our district…..just as we expected when we voted him into office.

I have followed Efren from town to town, meeting to meeting and issue to issue. He has committed his time and energy to support our community. And yes, he succumbed to his personal demons and compromised his professional stature. But the measure of a man is how he responds to his mistakes. And in this, Efren has shown consistent remorse while taking responsibility to address the roots of the problem. He has sought treatment, been sober and learned from this experience, all the while maintaining his commitment to our community, citizens and issues.

We expect our elected officials to be above reproach. But politicians prove again and again that they are, after all, human beings and not above human error. But in response, Efren took immediate and appropriate actions to address his issues, all the while staying in office and taking the brunt of unrelenting criticism. In the end, Efren was cleared of legal wrong-doing by a 10 woman, 2 man jury. I believe it is now time to assess Efren as a public servant.

Throughout this very public event, I remain impressed by Efren Carrillo’s strength, humility and dedication to our community. He has exceeded my measure of responsibility and continues to earn my respect and support. I admire his commitment to a clean and sober life and want him to continue being my representative on the Board of Supervisors.

I ask that people who agree to please SIGN THIS PETITION and voice your support of someone who does so much to support our community.

Also, please take the time to let your SUPPORT be known to each supervisor:

David.Rabbitt@sonoma-county.org

Susan.Gorin@sonoma-county.org

Shirlee.Zane@sonoma-county.org

MikeMcguire@sonoma-county.org

Supporters who are able, please attend the May 6th Board of Supervisors meeting at 10am at 575 Administration Drive, Santa Rosa. If you are uncomfortable getting up to speak, please show your support visually in whatever way you are comfortable - a sticker on your shirt, a pastel colored shirt like Efren wears, etc.as a visual presence of those who believe he should continue serving our 5th District.

THANK YOU

Vesta Copestakes, publisher, Sonoma County Gazette