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As elected officials, it is important that we work collaboratively and respectfully, despite our differences on certain issues.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta has been someone who has been approachable and has worked to try to meet the needs of our community. When I was mayor of Santa Cruz during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congressman Panetta met with me and UC Santa Cruz researchers creating their own COVID-19 test and assisted in expediting federal approvals for the test. Expanding testing countywide allowed us open the community and local businesses more quickly and safely.
Congressman Panetta also worked with my Distrcit 3 office and the Regional Transportation Commission to expedite and secure $24 million for Segment 5 of the rail trail from the Biden administration, prior to Donald Trump taking office. Now that trail from Wilder Ranch to Davenport is almost complete. Today, Congressman Panetta has been leading the fight to oppose offshore drilling and seabed mining in Washington, strongly supporting our local efforts here in California. These are just a few of the many ways Congressman Panetta has delivered for Santa Cruz.
Moving forward, I look forward to working with Congressman Panetta on the issues impacting Santa Cruz and sharing community perspectives to help him best represent us.
Dr. Justin Cummings
District 3 supervisor