For the first time since taking office, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger delivered her State of the County address in Santa Clarita.

Barger discussed her priorities, including improving libraries and other county programs, enhancing public safety and addressing the homelessness issue in the county.

Hundreds gathered for the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce’s seventh annual State of the County luncheon to hear her speak.

Barger enjoyed a long history of county service before being elected to the Board of Supervisors in November. She spent 28 years in the office of former county Supervisor Michael Antonovich, including 15 years as his chief of staff.

However, she said, working for the people of the county is what she loves.  

“I am not a career politician,” she said. “Working to serve our county residents and representing you on the Board of Supervisors is my passion.”

As the only Republican member of the board, Barger said she considers herself a check on irresponsible spending of taxpayer funds.

“I am committed to ensure that we remember that we are stewards of the taxpayer dollars, which is a solemn responsibility,” Barger said. “I will be persistent in fighting for a balanced budget and spending plans guided by a strong sense of fiscal integrity and common sense.”

She pointed to Measure H, last year’s sweeping initiative to aid the homeless in the county paid for by a sales tax increase, as proof of her commitment.

When the measure was first drafted, she said, it lacked restrictions on what the money could be used for, a sunset date for the increased tax and required only a simple majority of voters to pass. However, the final measure she fought for and voted on addressed all of these concerns.

“I sought to ensure it provided a thoughtful and fiscally prudent plan for existing funding, as well as funding generated from the sales tax increase,” Barger said. “To target areas with the greatest need and to ensure accountability, I had to be sure the measure included input from our cities, communities and service providers.”

Another priority of Barger’s, public safety, is one she hopes to take to Sacramento.

“We need to use facts to drive the discussion in Sacramento and here in Los Angeles County,” she said. “We will use our findings to develop our roadmap for meaningful reforms at the local and state levels.”

The board approved the funding last May for a new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, and Barger hopes to continue expanding services in the valley through mental evaluation teams, or MET.

One of these teams is housed at the Santa Clarita station, but in January Barger proposed a measure to more than double the number of teams in the county.

“These teams reduce the number of arrests and provide our officers with the tools they need to avoid the use of deadly force, protect the public and provide individuals with the treatment they need,” she said.

Barger said the new job was unexpected, but she had big plans for the future of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Being a county supervisor was never on my radar, but I am thankful every day that I was elected and I don’t forget where I came from,” she said. “There are many challenges and opportunities ahead, and I’m excited and honored to work on them with you.”