Election season is upon us and in a little less than two months county residents will vote in two supervisor runoff elections. Back in March, the District 2 and District 5 seats were not claimed since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, triggering the runoff during the Nov. 5 general election.
The District 5 seat long held by Bruce McPherson will be contested between Christopher Bradford and Monica Martinez, two political newcomers. McPherson will not run for reelection. Bradford is small business owner and community organizer, while Martinez is the CEO of Encompass Community Services. Martinez led with 46.43% of the vote to Bradford’s 21.41% in the primary election.
GT will be featuring candidates running for the county’s important races, and this week it’s their turn to make their case to District 5 voters. We submitted questions to the candidates and their responses are published below. Some responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q&A: Christopher Bradford
Why are you running for the 5th District Supervisor seat?
After losing my home in the CZU fire, I experienced firsthand how difficult it is to have an adversarial government instead of a supportive one. Advocating for my family and community while attempting to rebuild made me aware of the many deficits people experience in the 5th District when looking for fair treatment and support from county government.
I have spoken to and connected deeply with folk from all walks of the community, and so many feel unseen. I am running so that everyone has a voice, not just the connected or wealthy. Our area is desperate for actual change; we don’t want the powers-that-be putting someone in that seat. I can bring collaborative and creative solutions to the table and have no one to answer to except the voters.
What experience do you bring that will help you best represent the district?
I’ve got the experience we need to plan for the future of our district and not repeat the past. I’ve managed large businesses with multimillion-dollar budgets, and have been treasurer/board member for Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council. I’ve had to solve problems, keep businesses profitable, and take care of both staff and investors. I’ve had to be innovative, creative and disciplined in order to make sure the bottom line is squared away. I’ve had to deal with the government as a businessperson as well as a constituent; I’ve directly experienced what people are dealing with and that experience matters. In a time when budgets are contracting, needs expanding and technology rapidly advancing, we need a smart, technical-minded person with a history of creating solutions on that board representing us.
What are some of the most pressing issues for District 5 and how will you work to address them?
Roads and infrastructure: The state of roads can be a matter of life-or-death in an emergency situation. With zero dollars in the budget for roads next year we are going to have to come up with creative solutions.
Fire recovery and disaster preparedness: We are only 12% rebuilt from the CZU fire four years later. It affects those that lost their homes, drives the cost of living up for area residents and means fewer property taxes. I am committed to working with staff and fellow supervisors on changing this “Culture of No” in our county offices to support rebuilding and get our community to engage with the county so that our neighbors are safer. The lessons we learn from the rebuilding of homes lost during the CZU can be used to improve services for everyone.
Fire mitigation: I want to work on fire abatement strategies to make our communities safer and more insurable. I already do this as a board member of the Fire Safe Council, but the supervisor position will allow me to do much more.
Cost of Living: It’s becoming more difficult for folks in the 5th District to make ends meet. I plan on generating community programs that reduce that pressure. Things like child care co-ops; community gardens; increased funding for organizations like the Mountain Resource Center; and a pro-building stance to increase housing and drive down rents and housing costs.
Why should District 5 elect you as supervisor instead of your opponent?
While we may share common goals, my approach offers a fresh perspective. As someone who understands but isn’t entrenched in the county’s processes, I bring an outsider’s creativity combined with practical knowledge. I’m committed to finding innovative solutions to our complex challenges, free from the constraints of establishment politics. My campaign has showcased my accessibility and engagement—qualities I’ll continue to bring as your 5th District supervisor.
Q&A: Monica Martinez
Why are you running for the 5th District Supervisor seat?
I’m running for 5th District supervisor because I’ve lived through the same challenges our community has faced in recent years: the pandemic, the CZU fire, and devastating winter storms. I’m raising my children here, and I want them to grow up in a thriving, resilient community. Unfortunately, I’ve seen county government fall short in rebuilding homes and maintaining essential infrastructure like roads, power, water, and broadband. I want to change that. With my leadership experience, I’ll work to accelerate recovery, strengthen disaster resilience, and ensure every voice in the 5th District is heard. We deserve better representation and results.
What experience do you bring that will help you best represent the district?
As a lifelong public servant, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring public resources reach those who need them most. I began by supporting homeless women on Skid Row in Los Angeles, then became executive director of Housing Matters in Santa Cruz, where I launched the successful 180/180 initiative, housing 180 vulnerable individuals. For the past ten years, I’ve served as CEO of Encompass Community Services, managing a $35 million budget and leading 400 staff to deliver vital behavioral health, early childhood, and housing services. My track record equips me to provide strong, effective representation for District 5 residents.
What are some of the most pressing issues for District 5 and how will you work to address them?
Disaster recovery is crucial for District 5. Over the past four years, we’ve faced immense challenges, from the pandemic to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the 2022-2023 winter storms. It’s unacceptable that only 15% of the 911 homes lost in the fire have been rebuilt. I’ll work to streamline the rebuilding process, improve coordination with public and private agencies, and ensure residents receive the resources they need when disaster strikes.
Aging infrastructure is another critical issue. As supervisor, I’ll fight for our district to receive its fair share of resources for long-term projects that improve roads, water systems and broadband connectivity. Reliable broadband and cellular service, especially in rural areas, is essential—not just for daily life but for emergency communication. I’ll also prioritize creating safe routes to schools, expanding pedestrian access, and enhancing sustainable, affordable transit options.
Affordable housing is a pressing issue across the Central Coast, and our district is no exception. We must preserve our existing housing stock, expedite repairs, and focus on a sustainable housing ecosystem that includes affordability, workforce housing, and transit-oriented development. We also need evidence-driven strategies to prevent homelessness and support our most vulnerable residents in maintaining stable housing.
Why should District 5 elect you as supervisor instead of your opponent?
With nearly 15 years of public service experience in Santa Cruz County, I have the expertise and relationships to deliver immediate results for District 5. The challenges we face—like disaster recovery, infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing—demand someone who can act quickly and effectively, not someone who needs time to learn the job.
I’ve worked closely with the county, understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and I know how to leverage public funds to improve disaster preparedness, safety, and infrastructure. As Supervisor, I’ll ensure that District 5 receives the resources and attention it deserves, while preparing for future challenges.
My proven leadership has earned endorsements from across the county, including elected officials, the California Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, SEIU 521, and numerous labor organizations. These endorsements are a testament to my ability to collaborate, solve problems, and deliver real results for our community.
The 5th District deserves an experienced leader with a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to accelerating recovery, strengthening resilience, and improving the quality of life for all residents. I’m ready to serve and deliver on day one.
