We have a rare opportunity on the Central Coast to elect a representative to the California Assembly who does not just recite the hot-button sound bites of the moment but who lives the life he espouses. Bill Ostrander is a strong advocate for the environment. He did ecological and humanitarian work in Africa for a year on his own dime; has been a green building contractor; and is a regenerative, sustainable farmer.

As a lifelong volunteer, Bill has encouraged others to join him, especially our youth. With his help, our local high schools are beginning volunteer programs for their students.

Bill stands firmly against the obscene amount of money in our electoral system that is corrupting our democracy. For years, he has put aside his personal life to be the volunteer director of Citizens Congress, a nonprofit dedicated to campaign finance reform.

As a private citizen he has lobbied 65 Congressional offices, given a Congressional briefing, and written legislation to bring a voucher system to our local elections. Recently, with Salud Carbajal, he co-wrote the Corporate Disclosure Act of 2018. If passed, it would require the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to write rules ensuring that publicly traded companies reveal their campaign contributions. Imagine what he could do if it was his job.

Barbara Jackson

Atascadero