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Opinion
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- Written by: Jessica Pyska
The promises I made in 2020 have guided my work and my decisions. I continue to prioritize investing in our communities for a vibrant economy, a high standard of disaster prevention, and healthy and safe neighborhoods for our beautifully diverse residents. We have a rare opportunity to physically build a better reality with housing, broadband and roads — which means good jobs, strong local businesses and the foundation for a thriving Lake County.
We have been through a lot together over the years, and when things get tough, we have always shown up for each other without hesitation, and that is what makes our community so special. With the application for the name change of Kelseyville being submitted to the federal government, we are seeing a lot of pain, fear and anger — all for very valid reasons. There are still so many unknowns about the process, and as it unfolds and we learn more, I hope that we can have empathy with friends and neighbors who may feel differently. Ultimately, this decision will be made by the Board on Geographic Names, and I encourage everyone to submit their public comments to
We have achieved so much over the past few years because of the strength of our incredible county staff, generously serving the public every day, and the community partners who dedicate themselves to building up Lake County. This genuine collaboration propels us forward, and I am deeply grateful for all who contribute in so many ways; this truly is our superpower.
I want to thank my family for their willingness to support and sacrifice so that I may serve with my whole heart, as you, the residents, require and deserve. My campaign has been 100% powered by local volunteers who also believe in the potential of our community and the bright future ahead; thank you all for your generous support!
Election Day is nearly here, and I am proud of the work I have put forward as your District 5 supervisor and the positive campaign I have run to seek another term. I hope I have earned your trust as a leader. You can count on me to build a stronger, safer and more vibrant Lake County for everyone.
Jessica Pyska is in her first term as District 5 supervisor. She lives in Cobb, California.
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- Written by: Darren Ellis
I am 37 years old, a family man, former law enforcement officer and legal consultant, former entrepreneur and current doctoral student with a master’s degree in education. I am on the board of directors for a successful restorative justice nonprofit organization based out of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and have firsthand experience in the successes of well-organized and data driven nonprofit organizations on crime and harm reduction.
I believe in parental rights and educational choice. Schools in this state are failing our children, evidenced by 40% to 70% plus of students scoring below average in areas of STEM education. Students deserve a quality education that prepares them academically and professionally for the future, not ideologically.
I am a proponent of social service programs for legal residents in need. It is ridiculous to cut foster care and social service programs for legal Californians while offering free healthcare, housing, food, and stipends to non-legal persons in this state, all at the expense of the taxpayer.
Further, I believe in fiscal responsibility. The Democrats in this state have built up a $1.6 trillion deficit in debt, bonds and outstanding obligations that they have no long-term plan to pay for. Instead, they are proposing further debt for programs like Prop 1 which amounts to roughly $440,000 per bed. We need to be rolling back regulations and legislation that have handcuffed agriculture and industry in this state to promote economic growth and financial stability long-term, not more deficit spending.
Lastly, I am a huge proponent of the rule of law. Legislation in this state has benefited criminals at the expense of public safety and security. Decriminalization and bail reform, along with overly restrictive and unconstitutional attempts at public disarmament have negatively impacted businesses, law enforcement morale, and the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.
It's time for a change in California. It would be a privilege to have you write-in Darren Ellis for State Assembly come March 5. Together, we can accomplish constitutional restoration for all.
Darren Ellis lives in Winters, California.
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- Written by: Eileen McSorley
I admire the challengers to our incumbents, because they personify democracy. Even if I choose an incumbent, I am grateful for the challenger for providing a choice. It shows courage and conviction.
Sometimes incumbents deserve confirmation, and sometimes they don't. I believe term limits are good for our local, state and national elections in order to deter complacency and corruption in government.
Our congressman is up for his umpteenth term. I voted for one of his challengers, a young man with the guts to take on the establishment.
Our local judicial race is also enhanced by a gutsy lady lawyer with decades of trial and family law experience that the incumbent lacks. She deserved my vote.
It's easy to look at a ballot and vote for the incumbent, but that is not necessarily the best choice. I applaud all of the candidates who have chosen to challenge incumbency. It's gutsy. It's American. It's Democracy in action.
Good luck to you all, and thanks for running.
Eileen McSorley lives in Nice, California.
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- Written by: Maile Field
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.