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Bruce Jaffe, candidate for District 2

Bruce Jaffe is one of five candidates running for the District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor seat in the March 5, 2024 election. The district includes Aptos, Freedom, Corralitos and parts of Watsonville and Capitola. Read our guides on all the candidates running for District 2.

Bruce Jaffe is a candidate for District 2 Santa Cruz County supervisor.

Bruce Jaffe (Contributed)

Meet Bruce Jaffe

Age: 68.

Residence: In Aptos near Cabrillo College.

Occupation: Oceanographer and geologist.

Experience: Jaffe has been on the Soquel Creek Water District board for 21 years contributing to solutions for water sustainability in the county, he said. “I work on climate change, sea-level rise and their effects. I also have first-hand experience responding to disasters and have learned that planning makes a community safer.”

Read about Bruce Jaffe’s positions:

Jaffe on improving county roads

Many District 2 residents said county road conditions are bad. How can you get more money for road improvements in District 2? What county roads are your top priorities to fix during your four-year term? 

Jaffe supports:

  • A $200 annual assessment on Santa Cruz County residents for road repairs.
  • Measure K on the March 5 ballot, a proposed sales tax hike in unincorporated county areas that could help pay for road repairs.  
  • Creating unbiased criteria for prioritizing road repairs.

Many District 2 residents told us they want traffic relief. What can the county supervisors do to reduce traffic and facilitate cycling and walking for District 2 residents? 

Jaffe supports encouraging remote work to reduce commutes, providing free bus service and offering more bus routes.

He supports establishing electric passenger rail as part of the Coastal Rail Trail “in concept,” but he said he may change his stance if it proves infeasible.

How can the county supervisors help fund and facilitate more affordable housing? Where in your district would you support more density?

Jaffe agrees with the density called for in the county’s Housing Element, a plan for housing production over the next eight years. “If you want more affordable housing, you have to have more housing,” he said. “Is that opening up Pandora’s box? Not if you do it properly.”

Areas in the Soquel Creek Water District have enough water to support new housing, he said.

Should the county supervisors help current residents with rent stabilization or rent help? If so, how?

“I’ve been a renter most of my life, so I’m empathetic to the need to stabilize rent so people can continue to live here,” Jaffe said. He said the county should:

  • Support Community Action Board and Community Bridges in their rent assistance programs, he said.
  • Provide tenants with attorneys if they are being evicted or have other legal conflicts with landlords.

Some District 2 residents said people should have better access to addiction services. How could the county improve its response to people struggling with addiction? 

Jaffe supports:

  • A county-run educational campaign to reduce the stigma of substance use.
  • Harm reduction programs that support people with substance abuse disorder, even if they are not yet in treatment.
  • Improved conditions for people who go through detox in jail. “They don’t give them what they need, and it’s very cruel,” he said.

Read about why Bruce Jaffe is running for county supervisor

What local issues affect you that make you want to run for this office?

  • Housing: “Accessible housing is fundamental to ensuring everyone’s right to a dignified life. The soaring housing expenses are reshaping our community’s demographics and exacerbating homelessness, demanding urgent action and inclusive policies for affordable housing solutions.”
  • Transportation: “I am committed to implementing comprehensive transportation improvements, including investing in sustainable infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly modes of transit such as buses and rail, and fostering collaborations with local communities to address specific mobility needs.”
  • Climate adaptation: “I support directing resources to mitigate climate-change effects and the creation of a living document with a climate adaptation plan.”
  • Disaster resiliency: “Establishing a comprehensive disaster resiliency plan and addressing short- and long-term strategies is paramount.”
  • Equity: “I am dedicated to creating an equitable landscape for all residents by championing policies that bridge economic disparities, fostering inclusive community development and prioritizing equal access to essential services.”

What is your dream for your district?
“My dream is to improve the quality of life in the second district.”

Campaign finances

See campaign contributions to Bruce Jaffe and all local candidates.

Endorsements

See Bruce Jaffe’s endorsements.

Read more about District 2 supervisor candidates

In the March 5 election, voters will choose between Bruce Jaffe and four other candidates for District 2 county supervisor. Read Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guides for the other candidates:

Home » Elections » March 5, 2024 Election Guide » County supervisors » District 2 » Bruce Jaffe