Jim Patterson cares deeply about the community 

I have known Jim Patterson for many years. When my husband and I bought our home in Garden Farms almost 30 years ago, his Bay Laurel Nursery supplied many of the fruit trees and other plants that are now fully mature. Throughout the years, we have crossed paths for our common interests in supporting the arts, community development, protecting the environment, peace work, and, most recently, in making sure our libraries are kept open to our communities. He is sometimes helping out in some way, organizing, staffing, or decorating.

Jim has always been a gentleman. When he joined the board of supervisors, he lent an air of civility that was previously lacking. He has an amazing ability to listen respectfully to members of the community who come before the board and to answer thoughtfully. His questions often lead to discussion rather than division.

He is a public figure who is available and who gets things done. Several years ago, when I was concerned about safety issues in our neighborhood, I spoke to Jim and within several weeks’ time our bridge was safer for little children crossing and the road shoulder was widened to develop an area to pull off El Camino Real and slow down before entering our neighborhood.

As a member of the board of the Santa Margarita Friends of the Library, I spoke with Jim about our budget and asked if he could supply some funding to allow us to continue providing the resources necessary to continue our work. He was very generous, and I was told later that the funding came from an account to which he contributes some of his salary. Again, while working with Jim on the Savor the Central Coast, it was that same funding that paid for printing the brochure representing the Santa Margarita Area.

I encourage you to vote for Jim in the upcoming election; he is a fine man who cares deeply about our community.