“Women are the caregivers, the peacemakers, the multi-taskers, and the communicators. Imagine a world where these were the norms of public service. We cannot possibly foster economically strong, healthy, diverse communities without having diversity in leadership. Without women having equal representation at all elected and appointed levels, we are doomed to continue to live Einstein’s definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. It’s up to us to be the catalysts for change. It simply will not happen without us.”
Ms. Ray began her political career in 2005 when she was appointed to the Arroyo Grande City Planning Commission, on which she served three years as Chair. She joined the Arroyo Grande City Council in 2010. As an Arroyo Grande City Council member, Ms. Ray helped guide the city through the worst fiscal crisis in two generations. A strong proponent of economic development, she played a role in bringing numerous businesses into the city. In addition, Ms. Ray worked with local non-profits providing mental health services and low-income workforce housing. She participated in the establishment of Five Cities Fire Authority, which resulted in improved emergency services while saving thousands of taxpayer dollars annually. She left the Arroyo Grande City Council in 2013 when she was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to fill the remainder of late Supervisor Paul Teixeira’s term on the County Board of Supervisors. In addition to serving on the Board of Supervisors, she served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Economic Vitality Corporation, a Director on the Air Pollution Control Board, a Director on the Integrated Waste Management Authority, and on the Arroyo Grande Tourism and Marketing Committee. She was elected back to the Arroyo Grande City Council in November 2016. Ms. Ray is committed to ensuring balance and integrity within the political process and is a strong advocate for an open and collaborative approach to problem solving. She is driven to support her community and honored to serve, and she believes there is no greater professional reward than serving her community as a public official.