Political Philosophy for Bruce A. Rittenhouse

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Santa Barbara

BRUCE RITTENHOUSE FOR CITY COUNCIL

I do not seek this office for personal gain, rather that we all may gain personally with open, honest representation based on logic and common sense.

I bring 32 years of business experience in the private sector, unbound energy and the proven ability to get the job done.

I am determined to make a difference, believing our community can be dynamic, yet still be able to retain that which is truly Santa Barbara, always believing that if one is to make something better, you enter the arena. It means speaking out when you are the only one there, not being afraid to challenge the status quo, to lead when others either will not or cannot.

This may not make you the most popular individual, but will truly bring you respect. This is a community that one person can make a difference. I have always believed that I was doing the right thing by standing up for my beliefs.

Involvement with the school district has been an exciting, rewarding challenge. Our continued success is in the hands of youth. We older folks are difficult to change. Youth on the other hand is always willing to listen and will change, will question authority, asking why things are done, not just how.

Teenagers all want the same thing, a little love and a little respect. By example we changed a park on the west side, not just physically but created respect for it from those teens using it. There is no greater source of energy than teenagers.

The greatest asset of our community is simply that we are a community - small enough so that I cannot walk down a street without seeing someone that I know or knows me; acknowledging each other as we pass.

If I could accomplish anything further in my life, I would hope for a community that speaks to each other, where respect is the first thing we display when we encounter each other, even if we are strangers, or different from each other.

I intend to continue to be a force in our community on behalf of individual rights, racial harmony, respect for teens, and an educational system that is as concerned as much about how you relate to the person sitting next to you as it does about grade point averages.

Fundamental change will occur only by the way you vote. Choose one individual you believe will best serve all of Santa Barbara. DO NOT VOTE FOR THREE. This simply cancels your vote for the one person you really wanted.

DO NOT DILUTE YOUR VOTE. The single most important thing you can do iin this election is to CAST ONE VOTE. Casting one vote allows you to make a real difference.

Bringing over 32 years of private sector business experience and 13 years of dedication to our city, working to preserve what we have, while preparing for the future, I seek your consideration.