For the first time in decades, the battle for Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor is the political talk of the town.
Joe Holland, the incumbent, is facing a challenge from the No. 2 in charge, Melinda Greene. This battle, however, is not your typical political joust.
Holland has served for 24 years, but for the past 18 months he has not worked in the office. Holland said he is suffering from a chronic illness and has been working remotely, communicating through text messages, phone calls and Zoom. Greene said the office, and the public, deserve a person in the office full-time.
Greene and Holland talked about their campaigns in combined podcast interviews with “Santa Barbara Talks” and “Newsmakers with JR.” The two will face off in the June 2 primary.
Holland in the interview makes his case for a 7th term. He says he communicates regularly with his team and that his lack of on-site presence does not affect the organization. Still, all five members of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors have endorsed Green. During the interview below, Holland experienced technical difficulties with his Zoom connection and his screen was blurry.
Green in the podcast said she would bring a greater sense of transparency to elections and improve morale. The leader of the department, she said, needs to be in the office. Holland in his interview says he will be back soon after the election to spend more time in the office.
The department has a $22 million budget. Holland earns $275,511, and a benefits package worth $48,677. His annual pension is about $43,000.
Greene receives a salary of $220,205, county records show, plus a medical, pension and other benefits package of about $117,762, according to county records.
Check out the episode with Greene below:
Check out the episode with Holland here:
The News-Press will have a complete story on the contest later this week.
