Tuolumne CountyCandidate for Supervisor, District 5

There's a saying that all politics is local and it couldn't be more true. Here in our home, a single person is immensely powerful –– that is message we don't hear enough from our run of the mill politicians. 

This website is a working draft to help you learn about me, my platform, support the campaign, and reach out with questions.

While I have you here . . . 

• The PRIMARY ELECTION will be Vote-By-Mail. Voting takes place between February 3rd and March 3rd. It's expected to have HIGH TURNOUT so I need you to make you fill out a ballot and VOTE! If you aren't registered or have questions, please reach out. District 5 is west of Sonora City limits including Jamestown and Columbia. 

Ask anyone around and we all feel it . . . this county is not on the right path.

Even if it's hard to say what specifically, you know something is up. You read about deficits, homelessness, and scandals. You feel potholes and blackouts and that somehow you aren't being listened to. You worry about rentals, wages, fire insurance and kids programs. And you wonder –– where are our leaders, and what are they doing? Where'd they go since last election?

Our young people are fleeing and seniors are being priced out. We're seeing more Dollar Generals and fewer dollars flowing to our local businesses. We have an economy that relies on a few primary industries and squandered 10 years of time that could have made it more resilient. And we have had Boards of Supervisors who could break their arms back-patting.

The county needs new blood.

Someone with the humility to assume they don't have all the answers, the backbone to face their constituents more often than once every four years, the open mind to embrace innovation, the honesty to be real with our community, and the courage to say "No, there is a better way."

It is not all negative. We have great assets as well. Our area is a beautiful draw to tourists and newcomers; our county culture and community are strong; we have a college and natural resources and people ready to work. We just need leadership that taps into this and asks this fundamental question of public service . . . 

"How can I help you?"

To retain families, workers, and entrepreneurs, we have to start with the basics.

– Housing that is affordable.

– Jobs that pay a living wage.

– Government leaders that develop trust. 

These are my top priorities because they affect every other aspect of the county. We must have places to live, a way to make a living, and a voice in the community's livelihood. 

I'm not wealthy. You won't find my last name on any street. I rent a room and work a family retail job. I have useful experience under my belt but obviously no 40 years. Yet, I face the same issues so many others also face. I worry about jobs, and housing, and building a family, and setting down roots. I resisted running until finally it dawned on me: "If I face these issues, and I can help, then how can I expect someone else to fight for me?"

So I have stepped up. To fight for us and for our future in Tuolumne County. And with your help, we'll get it done. 

– Jaron E. Brandon

Candidate for County Supervisor

Tuolumne County, District 5

In the times we live in, there's a thousand ways we divide ourselves and are divided. But at the county level, in this election, we do not have to. Our issues are beyond party, ideology, and the rest. We face tangible problems., not rhetorical ones. Low paying jobs and increasing rents. Fire insurance and catastrophic disasters. Government corruptions and crumbling roads. Homelessness and streetside dump sites. 

I'm proudly a no party preference independent that approaches issues pragmatically, not ideologically. I believe government can be a solution –– it can also royally screw things up. So can businesses, or non-profits for that matter. It is all about effective incentives, rules, and looking out for unintended consequences. And in everything, I seek a rigorous debate and to bring people together. Even where we disagree, we can work to have respect for each other. 

That being said, I recognize the county doesn't make money. It's business and economic activity that enable all else, and we must approach our issues with the sense and priority to put our long term financial stability first so that we then have the resources for anything from law enforcement to libraries.