I'm writing to share my observations about the District 5 supervisor race.

Jessica Pyska, the incumbent, has become very knowledgeable and respected throughout the state for her tireless efforts to bring grant money, innovative solutions, networking opportunities and improvements of many kinds to the lives of residents county-wide.

When I talk to her she always has a new story about something she learned to solve some local problem ... and she always seems to be meeting with outside people so that she can help us.

She applies logic and reason backed by heart-felt concern for the well-being of her community.

Her opponent, Boone Bridges, appears to be a good-hearted individual and probably shares those sentiments. But he clearly lacks understanding of the job of supervisor; how government functions; what he needs to do to help.

Although I'd like to find a job for him to direct his admirable goodwill, he is simply not prepared for the complicated tasks Jessica not only comprehends but embraces.

Bridges keeps talking about how he will streamline the permitting process but has not named which minimum health and safety standard or state regulation he would do away with. This scares me. He clearly has no respect for the county infrastructure the supervisor position would oversee.

I would like to believe this is simply lack of education or comprehension but as responsible voters I feel we must view this as an indication he is unfit for the job. He is simply unqualified for the position.

Bridges, for lack of any other substantive topic, has chosen to make "Keep the name of Kelseyville" the pillar of his campaign platform.

Although I agree it seems silly and divisive to change the name, it is not appropriate for him to embrace an issue that is going to be made at a federal level.

Yes, the Board of Supervisors has been asked to weigh in on the topic but a) this will likely be done before the newly elected District 5 supervisor is sworn in and b) if he were on the board, he would probably be outvoted on this issue. Thus the name change issue is irrelevant to the campaign.

Please do not turn down the opportunity to keep Jessica Pyska working for us.

Maile Field lives in Kelseyville, California.