I do not live in District 2, so Denise Lite’s name will not appear on my ballot this November. But I have family who live in the district, and after spending much of my career serving the Santa Clarita Valley and communities throughout Los Angeles County, I know that the person elected in District 2 will make decisions that reach far beyond a single district boundary. That is why I am supporting Denise Lite.
My years in public service gave me a front-row seat to how local government works — and, just as importantly, how it works best. I have worked alongside elected officials, public-safety agencies, city and county staff, nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses and community leaders. Through that experience, I learned that effective leadership is not simply about having the right position on an issue. It requires doing your homework, understanding how different levels of government intersect, building relationships and knowing how to advocate for your community when the answer is not easy or immediately available.
I believe Denise has those qualities. She asks questions, reads the material in front of her and is willing to challenge an assumption when she believes residents deserve a better explanation. I saw that firsthand during her service on the Planning Commission. We will not always agree with every decision made by someone in public office, but I have tremendous respect for people who are willing to ask difficult questions and stand behind them. Good government needs people at the table who are prepared, independent and willing to speak up.
Just as important, Denise understands that Santa Clarita does not operate in a vacuum. Many of the issues affecting our quality of life — public safety, homelessness, transportation, development, emergency preparedness and infrastructure — require cooperation among the city, county, state, community organizations and residents. Having spent years working within that environment, I value leaders who understand that progress depends on relationships and collaboration, not simply rhetoric.
My family in District 2 will be voting for Denise, and I am proud to join them in supporting her candidacy. While I will not have Denise’s name on my own ballot, I know from years of serving this community that the decisions made by each council member ultimately affect all of Santa Clarita. I encourage District 2 voters to support Denise Lite and elect a representative who will do the work, ask the questions, build the relationships and advocate for her constituents while always keeping the best interests of the entire Santa Clarita community in mind.
Stephanie English
Valencia
