As election day approaches, I’ve been paying close attention to the various local races, trying to determine which candidate truly represents the needs of our community. I’ve been a resident since 2000, so this is a matter close to my heart.

I recently watched the debate between the candidates for District 1 supervisor, and I felt compelled to write this letter in hopes that more people will watch the debate and notice the clear differences between the two candidates. You can watch the debate on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjcQ-WfT_8U or at https://hessforsupervisor.com/news.

John Hess is my choice, and I believe he has the best vision for the future of District 1. I had the chance to meet him last year, before election discussions really started. I was surprised by how much he knew about our district. He walked me through several issues we face, and they extended beyond our water concerns. I was impressed by his in-depth knowledge and the fact that he already had a clear vision for the district. I hadn’t realized before then that he had the experience necessary to take meaningful action and bring that vision to life.

John Hess will represent the entire district. His background in bipartisan service shows that he’s inclusive, and he’s exactly the kind of leader our district — and county — needs right now. I believe he’ll focus on creating jobs and fostering economic growth, all while preserving the small-town values we hold dear. It’s vital that we grow in a way that ensures our children will not only have opportunities but also the infrastructure to support them. I have a teenage daughter and these issues are really important for all parents.

His experience on the Planning Commission will ensure a seamless transition to the Board of Supervisors, allowing him to hit the ground running.

Roberto Iseppi lives in Hidden Valley Lake, California.