This public letter was contributed by San Benito resident Briana Mancebo. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aqui.

To the Editor,

I don’t usually pay much attention to politics, but this feels personal. I’m writing as a daughter who is tired of seeing the way Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki talks about my father, Joe Paul Gonzalez.

I understand that politics comes with disagreements, and I know he may not like my father. That’s part of the job. But what I don’t understand is the tone, going on social media to put people down or twist the truth. That’s not leadership.

I grew up believing that elected officials should be better than the rest of us, that they should lead with respect, even when they disagree. Watching this kind of behavior has been disappointing and, honestly, upsetting.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about politics for me, it’s about respect. Our community deserves leaders who act with integrity, not ones who make things more divisive.

Briana Mancebo

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