As a former client of Denise Lite, I have seen a side of her that I think is particularly relevant as District 2 voters consider who they want representing them on the Santa Clarita City Council.
There has been plenty of discussion about Denise’s willingness to ask difficult questions and hold people accountable. Those are qualities I value. But I also know from personal experience that accountability and collaboration are not mutually exclusive.
Denise represented me during my divorce. Anyone who has gone through family law knows it can involve difficult personalities, strong disagreements and deeply emotional issues. Yet I watched Denise work professionally with opposing attorneys and other people involved in my case, including people she didn’t necessarily agree with or particularly like. Whatever personal feelings existed were put aside because her responsibility was to advocate for her client and work toward the best possible outcome. That experience taught me something important about Denise’s approach to leadership: She doesn’t confuse disagreement with an inability to work together.
There were times she needed to be firm. There were times she needed to push back. And there were times when cooperation and compromise were the better path. She understood the difference. That is exactly the temperament I want on our City Council.
We don’t know exactly who will occupy every seat on the council in the years ahead. Denise may agree with some council members on certain issues and strongly disagree with them on others. What matters to me is whether she can walk into that council chamber, put personalities and politics aside, and work with whoever is sitting beside her when doing so serves the residents of Santa Clarita. Based on my own experience with her, I believe she can.
Collaboration shouldn’t mean remaining silent when something deserves to be questioned. Accountability shouldn’t mean refusing to work with someone after a disagreement. Good leadership requires both.
For years, Denise has made a career out of navigating conflict, negotiating with people on the other side of difficult issues, finding common ground where possible and standing firm where necessary. Most importantly, she understands that the people she represents come first. I experienced that firsthand when I was her client. I trust her to bring that same professionalism to City Hall. That’s why I’m supporting Denise Lite for City Council District 2.
Jesse Contreras
Santa Clarita
