Super Tuesday in March 2020 was the first major county election Ken Pettit didn’t observe, or manage, in 40 years. After serving as County Clerk Howard Menzel’s senior deputy, Pettit succeeded Menzel, serving four terms running a “picnic basket” of duties, including chief election officer.
Service is something people always associated with Ken. He loved helping people and building community. Candidates all say they have some sort of platform they’re running to implement. But when I asked Pettit why he was running for County Clerk, his regular smile momentarily vanished, he looked right at me, and he said, “I really want to make a difference for people.” And he did, in so many ways.
There was County Executives Association Ken Pettit, regaling meetings with side-splitting jokes while nudging them toward more honest, open government. Department head Pettit, knowing every employee’s name, always inquiring when a family member was ailing. Lions Club Ken, urging anyone he met to “stop by for a free eye screening.” Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club supporter Ken, telling every new-to-town family about all their great sports, recreation, and learning opportunities. Old Spanish Days centurion Ken, encouraging people to find a reason to “celebrate” local history and “find a reason to Fiesta.”