Published Letters to Editors
Published date: July 8, 2026
Publication: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Author: Mike Lelieur
Published date: July 7, 2026
Publication: Cal Coast News
Author: Shannon Kessler
Published date: June 26, 2026
Publication: Pajaronian
Author: Mike Lelieur
Capitola Boat & Bait has been an important part of the Capitola Wharf for generations and deserves to remain there. For decades, it has served recreational anglers, commercial fishermen, boat owners, and visitors who come to enjoy one of Capitola’s most treasured landmarks.
The business provides essential services that support boating and fishing activities in Monterey Bay, including bait, tackle, supplies, and assistance for those using the harbor’s moorings.
Without these services, maintaining a vibrant boating and fishing community becomes much more difficult.
Fishing is not only a cherished recreational pastime for local families and tourists, but it also supports commercial fishermen who contribute to our local economy and coastal heritage. Capitola Boat and Bait helps sustain both.
The business also generates revenue for the City of Capitola through lease payments, visitor traffic, and the economic activity it brings to nearby restaurants and shops. Losing it would diminish the character and utility of the wharf.
Capitola should preserve this longstanding local institution and the valuable services it provides to residents, fishermen and visitors alike.
—Mike Lelieur, Pleasure Point
Published date: June 5, 2026
Publication: Pajaronian
Author: Mike Lelieur
I strongly support Capitola’s transition from at-large elections to district- based elections. This important change will bring fairer and more responsive representation to our community of nearly 10,000 residents.
Under the old at-large system, neighborhood-specific issues often got overlooked. Whether you live near the beach and Wharf, along Soquel Creek, in the residential hills, or in eastern Capitola, each area has its own distinct character, needs, and challenges.
District elections ensure that every part of our city will have a council member who actually lives there and understands local concerns like traffic, parking, housing, and preserving our small-town charm.
This new system promotes stronger accountability, makes it easier for regular residents to run for office, and better protects our diverse communities of interest. It also responsibly addresses legal concerns under the California Voting Rights Act, saving taxpayers from expensive lawsuits.
I urge the City Council and demographer to draw sensible, compact district lines that keep neighborhoods intact and respect natural boundaries. With careful implementation, this reform will make Capitola’s democracy more inclusive, equitable, and effective.
Capitola is a wonderful, tight-knit community. Moving to district elections is the right step forward to ensure every voice truly matters.
MIKE LELIEUR Pleasure Point
Published date: May 5, 2026
Publication: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Author: Kris Hurst
In the past three years the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District had two bond measures struck down by voters for funding a new fire station to replace the 60-year-old one on Erba Lane. Recently we received anonymous communications voicing concern about construction at the fire district’s parcel where the new station would have been built. Questions were asked about why construction was taking place since voters rejected the measure twice.
This letter is to inform any concerned public that the construction on La Madrona Drive is part of the Santa Cruz-Scotts Valley Intertie project connecting a 2-mile pipeline. The construction is a small pumpstation needed to support this project. It is not a new fire station.
This system is in its final phases and when completed will support regional fire protection and enhance water reliability by linking Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and San Lorenzo with a connecting pipeline.
In the service of the people of our fire district,
– Kris Hurst, Board of Directors, Scotts Valley Fire Protection District
Published date: May 8, 2026
Publication: Pajaronian
Author: Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz County prides itself on tolerance, but local politics tell a different story. Increasingly, conservatives, especially supporters of Donald Trump, are treated not as neighbors with different views, but as outsiders.
Reports of Republican candidate yard signs being removed or vandalized, harassment during sign waves, and protests targeting conservative events point to a growing pattern. Some residents also describe vehicles being vandalized over bumper stickers or feeling intimidated on the road because of political decals. Even if not every incident is formally documented, the perception is clear, expressing conservative views can come with consequences.
Nationally, conservatives have spoken about threats tied to rising political hostility. That same climate is felt locally.
When one political viewpoint dominates, respect for dissent can erode. That’s not healthy for a democracy. Santa Cruz County needs a reset—where disagreement is allowed, debate is encouraged, and no one is silenced for their beliefs.
Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz
Published date: May 8, 2026
Publication: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Author: Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz Metro is advancing a half-cent sales tax through a citizen’s initiative that could land on the November 2026 ballot. Because it’s citizen-led, it would require only a simple majority — 50% plus one vote — to pass, creating a permanent tax on nearly every purchase in the county. If it fails, any alternative would still need two-thirds approval, a threshold that has proven difficult to reach.
The underlying issue is Metro’s funding imbalance. UC Santa Cruz students account for roughly 56% of ridership, yet under the U-Pass program UCSC contributes about $4.7 million toward Metro’s $74 million annual operating budget. Metro has also invested in larger buses to accommodate UCSC demand without significant capital support from the university.
The proposed tax is expected to generate about $27 million annually, largely supporting a system heavily used by UCSC riders. Metro’s own plans indicate that, absent new revenue, cuts would primarily impact UCSC routes.
Before asking county taxpayers to approve a permanent tax increase, Metro and UCSC should first pursue a more balanced cost-sharing agreement.
Published date: March 31, 2026
Publication: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Author: Mike Lelieur
By Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz County residents are already struggling with some of the highest costs of living in the nation, such as sky-high housing, groceries, gas and existing taxes. The proposed 0.5% sales tax increase for Santa Cruz Metro would push our local sales tax rate as high as 10.25% in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville.
That’s a massive burden on working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses trying to survive.
Supporters claim this tax is necessary to “prevent service cuts” and maintain expanded bus service. However, let’s be clear, the recent service expansions under “Reimagine Metro” were funded by a one-time, $28.4 million state grant that is now expiring.
This isn’t a sustainable plan; it’s a temporary spending spree that Metro now wants taxpayers to lock in permanently.
We can’t afford another tax hike. The county is already facing a $23 million-plus budget deficit for 2026-27, with long-term structural shortfalls projected to hit $67 million. Instead of asking voters for more money, Metro and county leaders should focus on cutting waste, improving efficiency and living within their means, just like families and businesses do.
Sales taxes are regressive. This tax hits low- and middle-income residents hardest. Every grocery run, gas fill-up, clothing purchase and household item will cost more. Tourists will pay some of it, but most of the burden falls on locals.
No accountability or reforms required. The measure doesn’t mandate cost controls, competitive contracting, route optimization or performance audits. Past local transportation taxes (like Measure D) already direct significant funding to Metro. Why should we keep layering on new taxes without fixing underlying inefficiencies?
Better alternatives exist. Metro receives substantial state and federal grants (which make up most of its budget), plus fares, contracts and existing sales tax shares. If ridership is strong and service valuable, prioritize attracting more riders through better reliability, safety and scheduling instead of making everyone subsidize empty or underused buses. Explore public-private partnerships, ride-sharing integration or targeted subsidies for truly needy riders rather than broad “free fares” expansions.
Punishes the many for the benefit of the few. While some rely on buses, most Santa Cruz County residents drive or use other options. Forcing a countywide tax increase to maintain expanded service levels that were never sustainably funded in the first place is unfair.
We support good public transit, but not at any cost, and not without fiscal responsibility. Santa Cruz Metro needs to trim its budget, eliminate redundancies and prove it can manage taxpayer dollars effectively before coming back to voters with another tax.
Vote No on this half-cent sales tax. Tell Metro and the Board of Supervisors: Fix your finances first — don’t just raise taxes.
Mike Lelieur is chairman of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party.
Published date: 1/26/26
Publication: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Author: Mike Lelieur
As Chair of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party, I am deeply concerned about the Board of Supervisors’ decision to create the S.H.I.E.L.D. subcommittee, which appears to be little more than a costly and symbolic effort to obstruct federal immigration enforcement. While we support compassionate, legal immigration that strengthens our communities, this initiative risks wasting taxpayer dollars on partisan posturing at a time when Santa Cruz County faces real challenges like skyrocketing housing costs, persistent homelessness, crumbling roads, and underfunded public safety.
The subcommittee, funded entirely by local resources including paid staff time, diverts attention from solutions that benefit all residents, regardless of background. Instead of preparing to resist duly elected federal authorities, our leaders should focus on enforcing existing laws, supporting ICE in targeting dangerous criminals, and fostering economic opportunities that help immigrants integrate legally and thrive.
Santa Cruz Republicans stand for secure borders, fiscal responsibility, and equal protection under the law. We call on the Board to dissolve this unnecessary group and redirect efforts toward practical priorities that unite our county. Residents deserve better than divisive politics. Join us in demanding accountability by contacting your supervisors today.
Mike Lelieur- Chair, Santa Cruz County Republican Party
Published date: 6/15/25
Publication: Santa Cruz Lookout
Author: Mike Lelieur
Response to the M Lookout Santa Cruz Article, “Nearly 1,000 gather at Main Beach to create ‘Resist!’ human banner protesting Trump administration” By
Click here to read the original Lookout article.
Condemning the Violence and Intimidation: A Call for Civility in Political Discourse
In recent weeks, our community has witnessed a disturbing escalation in political hostility,
culminating in the so-called “RESIST” protest aimed at President Donald Trump and his
supporters. What was promoted as a peaceful public demonstration quickly devolved into a
campaign of intimidation and political antagonism, symbolized by the phrase “86-47” spelled out
in giant letters using sea kelp along the beach.
As members of the Republican Party, we fully support the constitutional right of every American
to protest peacefully. It is a cornerstone of our democracy. However, when such protests cross
the line into criminality—when tires are slashed, car windows shattered, and drivers forced off
the road simply for displaying a Trump bumper sticker—what we are witnessing is not
democracy in action, but mob rule.
The slogan “86-47,” a not-so-subtle reference to rejecting the 45th and 47th presidents, has
emboldened a fringe element in our community. These individuals seem to believe that violence,
vandalism, and harassment are acceptable forms of political expression. This mindset is not
only dangerous—it is fundamentally un-American. No one should fear for their safety, livelihood,
or property simply because of their political beliefs.
In our predominantly liberal county, conservatives are increasingly being treated as
second-class citizens—marginalized, threatened, and targeted for holding opposing views. That
should concern everyone, regardless of party affiliation. When one group’s rights are trampled,
all of our freedoms are at risk.
The Republican Party unequivocally condemns these acts of politically motivated violence and
intimidation. We urge local law enforcement to treat these incidents with the seriousness they
deserve, thoroughly investigate all reports, and bring those responsible to justice. Failing to act
sends a dangerous message: that political violence is tolerable so long as it targets unpopular
or minority viewpoints.
We also call on our neighbors across the aisle—including local Democratic leaders—to speak
out publicly against these actions. In moments like these, silence is complicity. Civility in our
political discourse begins with mutual respect, not with turning a blind eye to intimidation and
aggression. Our disagreements are real and often passionate, but they must be expressed
through debate, the ballot box, and peaceful assembly—not through threats, vandalism, or fear.
Let us be clear: disagreement is not hate. Supporting Donald Trump or holding conservative
values does not make someone your enemy. The strength of this nation lies in its diversity of
thought and its ability to resolve differences through peaceful means.
This recent string of attacks should alarm every citizen. If violence becomes a normalized
response to ideological disagreement, no one will be safe. This is not the future we want for our
community.
We, the local Republican Party, remain steadfast in defending the rights of every citizen to
speak freely, vote their conscience, and live without fear of reprisal. We condemn these
disgraceful acts and reaffirm our commitment to law, order, and civil discourse.
America deserves better—and so does our community.
Michal Lelieur
Santa Cruz County Republican Party- Chairman
