Quick Take
Kristen Brown believes her experience as Capitola’s mayor and can-do attitude make her the best fit to replace Zach Friend on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. The election is March 5.
Editor’s note: Lookout editors wanted to give you a chance to hear from candidates directly. But we also did not want them to simply repeat their campaign slogans. So we asked them a single question: “How will you provide the sort of leadership our community needs and how are you prepared to meet the moment as it arises?”
We gave them 500 words to answer. We hope their answers will provide one more outlet of information as you decide who to vote for on March 5.
I am a fourth-generation county resident with 13 years of experience working in public policy, eight years as a Capitola city councilmember, and two terms spent as Capitola’s mayor. I am prepared to step into the job of county supervisor with an understanding of the issues and a track record of effective leadership. With the upcoming departure of Supervisor Zach Friend, District 2 needs a successor with experience in local government, strong relationships with state and federal officials, and an ability to advocate for the needs of the district.
The ideal successor must also embody qualities of authenticity, transparency and accountability. I believe I am the right person for the job.
I served as mayor in 2020 during a period of rapid, pandemic-induced change. Businesses, residents and community groups were rightly terrified and I set up virtual meetings to hear their issues and help them find solutions. I worked with my fellow councilmembers and city staff to ensure federal pandemic funding was allocated and distributed to those most in need. That included funds for eviction prevention, food assistance and business support.
As vice mayor during the storms that hit Capitola in January of 2023, and later as Capitola’s mayor when we faced storm damage again in December, I worked with city staff to keep the community informed and reached out to offer assistance to those in need. I’m a compassionate leader who communicates and works tirelessly for community betterment. If elected, I can bring that work ethic to the board.
I’ve represented our community on multiple regional boards and commissions, as well as on state-level policy committees, and I know how these systems work hand-in-hand to result in the projects, programs and policies that impact our everyday lives. I have the understanding required to see beyond our immediate challenges and identify the systems that created them – and the systems that can solve them.
Additionally, in my work with the offices of Rep. Jimmy Panetta and former Rep. Sam Farr, I gained valuable experience in a variety of policy areas as the liaison for over 12 federal agencies, received training on community engagement and constituent responsiveness and received the mentorship of experienced elected leaders on how to best face our community’s multifaceted challenges. Because of this, I am prepared to provide the steady and informed leadership our community needs.
Finally, as an elected community leader, I recognize the importance of authenticity in leadership.
Authenticity requires genuine interactions, presenting the community with a leader committed to promises and to exemplifying transparency through effective outreach and communication. It further necessitates a forward-thinking, strategic approach and dedication. It calls for proactive planning, acknowledging uncertainty, and taking calculated risks — all geared toward ensuring the highest quality outcomes for the greater good.
This is the kind of leadership I am committed to providing.
Kristen Brown’s campaign site is here.