Honoring Supervisor Jane Parker

It was inspiring to attend an event honoring former Supervisor Jane Parker for her contributions to Monterey County on Wednesday. Supervisor Parker has inspired and supported many candidates throughout Monterey County, myself included. Before I was elected to Monterey city council, I first met Supervisor Parker on the picket line at La Playa and Pine Inn where hotel workers were on strike. She was a champion for workers and regular people.

When I ran for Monterey City Council the first time, no elected officials would support me--they didn't think I had a chance. The only exception was Supervisor Parker, who supported me in 2012, 2016 and 2020.

We had the pleasure of serving together on two regional boards, Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) and the Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE). On FORA we were both advocates for protecting construction workers and making sure they were paid fairly. We also fought to protect the wilderness at Fort Ord and focus redevelopment on the blighted areas instead. As we closed FORA down in 2020, we ensured that there were funds for blighted building removal. On CCCE, the clean energy agency, we ensured that there was community input by creating a community advisory board, and we also fought to direct surplus funds to the public for energy saving grants.

Having worked directly with Supervisor Parker, I learned how to advocate based on principles and values, while at the same time finding space for compromise and agreement. At the event we heard from other Monterey County leaders who also were inspired by and learned from Supervisor Parker, including former Senate leader Bill Monning and Supervisor Wendy Root Askew.