In their own words - Belia Ramos
In their own words - Belia Ramos
Running for Napa County supervisor in District 5
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Napa Valley Features introduces "In Their Own Words," a new platform for candidates in Napa County's 2024 primary election. This feature allows candidates to submit letters to directly communicate their vision and election goals to our readers. This opportunity provides candidates a direct line to engage with local voters before the March 5, 2024, election.
We invite other candidates to participate and share their viewpoints. Submissions can be sent to napavalleyfeatures@gmail.com with “In Their Own Words – [candidate's name]” as the subject. Letters submitted should detail the candidate's political platform and background, highlight experience and qualifications, and include a brief biography and any photos. Ensure that your submission is respectful, avoiding any ad hominem attacks or derogatory language. This platform is designed to foster a respectful and informative dialogue with our readers.
In my own words – by Belia Ramos
As your supervisor, I have been working tirelessly to make our community a safer, more vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.
Under my leadership, Napa County has become a resilient community. I have prioritized emergency preparedness, fire mitigation, detection and suppression.
My commitment to affordable housing is unwavering. I have supported investments in housing units, expanded child-care facilities and enhanced mental-health services.
While maintaining vital services, I have also acted with integrity to balance and protect the county budget, demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
I have worked to fix potholes and address traffic congestion by advancing the construction of the Soscol Junction Project and Highway 29 improvements.
Preserving our quality of life in Napa County is my top priority. I am committed to supporting our thriving agricultural sector while focusing on sustainability, water supply and combating climate change.
I am honored to be your supervisor, dedicating myself full-time to representing our county.
My motivation
Serving as your 5th District supervisor since 2017, I know first-hand that the work we do as a county is not something you can necessarily touch, but it influences how people feel about where they live.
From building child-care capacity to increasing safety-net services to prioritizing the needs of our residents, together we can continue to make a difference and ensure that Napa County and the 5th District remain a thriving, people-centered community. I will continue to put people first and protect our way of life.
My goals
One of the greatest challenges in our region is the lack of affordability and availability of housing. Having recently been elected to serve as the president of the Association of Bay Area Governments, I look forward to working toward the successful passage of a $20 billion housing bond for the production, preservation and protection of housing.
Improving our mobility is essential to improving our quality of life. Time spent in cars is time spent away from family. As an incoming Metropolitan Transportation Commissioner, I will advocate for regional roadway solutions in key corridors and specifically prioritize our parallel road connections so that those of us in the south county are not beholden to the Highway 29 mobility to access the rest of our county.
The threat of wildfire is real and pervasive. While we have made great investments in fuel mitigation, we must continue to prioritize in policy and funding fire prevention and preparedness. As we work toward a more resilient community, I will guide the implementation of fuel reduction and infrastructure hardening.
The challenges we face as a community have changed since our last General Plan update in 2008. I will continue to prioritize the updating of our General Plan, to incorporate climate adaptation, prioritizing our agricultural lands and open space. Together we must undertake a General Plan update to ensure that our guiding land-use document reflects the needs of our community and the priorities of our residents.
As your supervisor, I will continue to maintain financial integrity while prioritizing the delivery of essential services.
What sets me apart?
Experience and demonstrated leadership are what set me apart. I am present, accessible and engaged.
During difficult policy decisions, I have demonstrated thoroughness in preparation, thoughtfulness in deliberation and at all times exercised independent judgment.
I am endorsed by a majority of the American Canyon City Council, police, fire and more (visit www.beliaforsupervisor.com).
My leadership positions as president of ABAG, treasurer of the California State Association of Counties, and as the second Napa County supervisor to serve at MTC demonstrate my commitment to work full time on behalf of our county — elevating our priorities locally, regionally and statewide.
In 2025 I will be the only supervisor not in her first term. Experience matters now more than ever.
By re-electing me, you’re choosing a proven and experienced leader who understands the complexities of Napa County and brings real solutions to fruition. I’m committed to ensuring Napa County remains thriving and sustainable for all.
Biography
I live in American Canyon with my children, was born at Queen of the Valley Hospital and raised in St. Helena and Pope Valley. I consider all of Napa County my home.
I attended St. Helena public schools from kindergarten through high school, graduated from St. Mary’s College of California and UC Law San Francisco (formerly Hastings). Upon admission to the state bar of California, I worked as a civil litigator. I later became a law professor, business owner and member of the American Canyon City Council from 2010-2016.
In my free time, I enjoy baking with my kids, serving on the Napa County 4-H Management Board and spending time with my family at my parents’ vineyard.
"In Their Own Words” is a series by Napa Valley Features for the 2024 Napa County primary election. Open to all candidates, it provides a space for them to share their platforms, experiences and visions. The views expressed belong solely to the candidates and do not imply an endorsement by Napa Valley Features. Our commitment is to maintain impartiality and offer a variety of perspectives to inform our readers' electoral decisions.
Supervisors 2024 candidates, organized alphabetically by district. Those with “"In Their Own Words” include a link.
District 2:
Liz Alessio
Doris Gentry
District 4:
Amber Manfree
Pete Mott
District 5:
Mariam Aboudamous
Belia Ramos (incumbent)