For the first time in 20 years, our 20th Congressional District will be represented by an incoming freshman, a newcomer to the intricacies of congressional workings. We need a representative highly skilled in debate, negotiation and compromise both within the party and possibly across the aisle, probably not the wisest moment to bring fresh ideas or ambiguous party affiliations to the table.

Our district is vast — coastal and diverse land-wise with numerous conflicting and competing interests. Our history dates back millennia from indigenous eras through Spanish and Mexican empires to our modern fishing, agricultural and touristic times plus serious economic and ethnic fissures. Our representative must be cognizant not only of our history as a long-term committed resident with experience working at all levels of our economic strata and understanding that we need to move ahead locally to a sustainable future for all residents. Simultaneously, our representative needs to fit our context into the broader national picture of DC politics. A family name with a tradition of both local commitment and a national tradition of honorable service is an additional plus. I endorse Jimmy Panetta.

— Flora Anderson, Monterey