As the election draws near, I urge my friends and neighbors to please look at the facts regarding the candidates running for District 5 supervisor.

The incumbent, Jessica Pyska, has an impressive record and fresh ideas. She has many proven accomplishments that you need to know about.

They include: securing numerous grants for wildfire safety programs including for removal of 20,000 hazardous trees along our roadways, home hardening in the Kelseyville Riviera, improvement of senior citizen centers, safe routes to schools for Kelseyville, and extending broadband in the county. Jessica can point to many more accomplishments which can be viewed on her website.

Don’t fall for the simplified and divisive rhetoric of her main opponent, Boone Bridges. He has latched on to an inflammatory narrative to divide people — pitting neighbors against each other over the controversial Kelseyville name change issue.

Whatever your stance is on this proposal, (and in my opinion, it’s premature to have a stance without hearing all the details and listening with an open mind as the process unfolds) you can rest assured that Pyska will be there to do all she can to support the entire community.

Besides, is Kelseyville’s name the most important issue for those of us living in District 5? It isn’t for me.

The important issues include responsible vegetation management to protect communities against wildfire, improving our roads, and sustainable economic development.

If you ask Jessica about any of these topics, she can answer with knowledge and tell you exactly what she has accomplished and what has already been set in motion.

What are Boone Bridges’ plans? Does he have a relationship with both state and federal agencies and representatives that have been able to help Lake County? Does he have specific knowledge of the numerous grants that are available? Will he treat this position as a full-time job as has Supervisor Pyska?

Roberta Lyons lives in Jago Bay near Lower Lake, California.