3rd District candidate Doreen Farr

 

Women do get involved in politics.

Some do so by virtue of their education and the people they meet in college, and some by through the effort they put into being “moms.” 

Doreen Farr, candidate the 3rd district seat on the board of supervisors, is in the latter category.

Farr became involved in public service a number of years ago when her youngest son, Greg, was hit by a car while bicycling on Patterson Ave. in Goleta near where she lived at the time. 

Although Greg’s injuries were not serious — he was wearing a helmet — Farr energized others in her neighborhood to demand the county put a stop sign at the problem corner.

Soon she learned the ins-and-outs of county-level activism and was ultimately successful in getting the county to install a stop sign and some missing sidewalk. 

 

This was the beginning of the Patterson Area Neighborhoods Association. 

Second district Supervisor Susan Rose recognized Farr’s contributions and experience, appointing her to the County Planning Commission, where she served for 3 years prior to the time Goleta was incorporated. 

Farr additionally helped the newly formed City of Goleta as a liaison to the county planning commission and assisted in writing background reports for the city’s general plan.

As the proposed development at Naples was close to Goleta, Farr was asked about the developer’s plans. 

 

Farr acknowledged that “they have been given development rights and we need to see how to best mitigate that,” suggesting that transfers of development rights should be further investigated, as well as “cash incentives” with the rights.

When asked what the most important issues that will face the next 3rd district supervisor, Farr explained that the process that the county uses to listen to the constituents must be open. Expanding community meetings, opening a Solvang office and meeting with all interested groups and individuals must be a priority for the next supervisor. 

Farr added, “The County must be sure to provide services to the most needy”.

Farr was unconcerned with the early assault by opponent David Smyser, who made accusations that Farr would be trying to make another 2nd district of the 3rd. 

Farr responded that she’s been living in the Solvang area for the past four years and in the 2nd or 3rd district for most of the last twenty-five years.

 

When asked about the issues that surround Indian gaming and the Chumash tribe, Farr noted that the process of “fee-to-trust” that allows a tribe to remove a piece of property from the county tax rolls has been antiquated by modern tribal gaming.

“I don’t believe that any additional fee to trust or expansion is in order,” she said. 

Farr noted that these issues have polarized the community and that she’d do better than others at reaching out to the tribe.

Some of the signature issues that Farr spoke about were the need to see a finalization of the Santa Ynez Community Plan. 

She advocated that the community look closely at the proposed document and wanted to see more effort put into outreach to the community and to encourage participation in the process.

On the North County jail issue, Farr advocated continuing the efforts to partner with the state and develop the facility.

 

When discussing the possible budget shortfalls due to declining revenues Farr told of attending a recent budget workshop.

“We have to look at proposed cuts and also revenue enhancements.”  

Although Farr’s push into activism and public service came from her role as a “mom”, she also has the appropriate professional and business experience to be well qualified for the supervisor’s role.

 

With a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in history from San Jose State University, Farr also served as president of the Patterson Area Neighborhoods Association, serves as a board member of the Citizens Planning Association, and was president of The Santa Ynez Valley Alliance.

She also was a partner in two Spanish language radio stations, KSPE and KBKO, was co-owner of a Goleta newspaper, the Valley Voice, and worked for Westmont College as a financial aid counselor.

Divorced, Farr is the mother of three sons: Nate, 26; Rick, 22; and Greg, 20.