Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is heading into her eighth year representing the 5th District. She is seeking re-election for her third and final term in 2023.
She has been a strong advocate for programs and services to benefit foster children, seniors, veterans, and those living with mental illness and disabilities.
On this week’s “In Focus SoCal,” host Tanya McRae sits down with Barger at the Hall of Administration in downtown LA to discuss the supervisor’s last seven years representing the district where she was born and raised, reflect on how her leadership has evolved and explain her top priorities as she seeks re-election.
Barger grew up in San Marino, and learned about life working in public office from her father, Richards Barger, who served as insurance commissioner under Gov. Ronald Reagan in the 1960s. While attending Ohio Wesleyan University, Barger was an intern for LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.
“When I graduated from college, I moved back to California two years later, and the supervisor offered me a position for public policy. And I was handling health, mental health, children’s services and welfare. And he allowed me to do that for 12 years before I became his chief of staff,” Barger said. “And that really did give me the heart for public service because those four areas are providing services for the most vulnerable people.”
When Antonivich termed out in 2016, Barger ran for his seat and won. She was re-elected in 2020, and served as chair of the Board of Supervisors at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Barger represents almost 2 million residents in her district, which is geographically the largest in LA County. She said she appreciates the diversity of its many different communities, and has a very competent staff to help manage their unique needs.
“The thing I love about the fifth district, though, consistently through before redistricting, and even with redistricting, it’s not a one size fits all. I have the north county, Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, and then the East San Gabriel Valley as well. And it is wonderful to be able to interact with the communities and address their issues and know that it’s not a one size fits all,” Barger said. “I’ve got a great team. I’ve got offices strategically located throughout my district. And so we work hard to make sure that we address the needs of each and every one of the constituents in the areas that I represent.”
Barger also reflected on how she has changed as a leader over the past seven years and shared her priorities as she prepares to run for her last and final term.
“I think I’ve changed only in that I’m more confident. But I always tell people, this does not define who I am. So my campaigning is doing my job. I show up each and every day. I take this job very seriously. And I ride my team to make sure that they do as well. I’ve changed also from the standpoint of a little more clarity, a little more clarity recognizing that this is an opportunity for me to really make a difference, and plant the seed for the next generation. Something that I don’t think is being done enough,” she said.
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