Live Oak nurse joins race for Sutter board

After working on the front lines as a public health nurse for Sutter County, Live Oak resident Maria Heredia-Sproul wants to take on a top-line role.

Heredia-Sproul, 44, said she plans to run in the crowded District 1 race for the Sutter County Board of Supervisors on June 5, with the belief her background and outlook make her candidacy fresh.

"I am the new voice," she said. "I'm very passionate about the community, and I'm a proactive, progressive thinker."

Among her priorities as a supervisor would be public health, but in a sense beyond clinic visits and doctors, she said.

Her focus would be on encouraging more children to be active rather than passive in front of a screen, and encouraging more parents and other adults to opt for fresh, healthy food rather than a drive-thru.

To her, public health also means public safety, and a co tinued effort by law enforcement to address gang issues and work with young people.

She said her other issues of interest are encouraging more emphasis on education, and continuing the county's push for fiscal accountability.

"What's been done, that's a good start," she said, but there's more to do in looking at appropriate expenses and pay raises and eliminating duplicative services.

A fellow trustee on the Nuestro Elementary School District board said she'd describe Heredia-Sproul, who joined the board six years ago, as a breath of fresh air.

"Maria is very dedicated to whatever she starts, and she likes to get things done," said Judy Johl, who's served on the board for more than a decade. "She could probably bring some exciting ideas to the board."

As one of six announced candidates in the race, Heredia-Sproul said she's excited so many people are interested in the district, which runs from northern Yuba City through Live Oak to the county line.

"We live in a diverse community, and I'd bring that background to the board," she said.

A graduate of Yuba City High School, Heredia-Sproul attended Yuba College and had a double major in nursing and Spanish at Humboldt State University. She became a nurse in 1996.

In addition to being on the Nuestro school board, she's an active member of the Army Reserves, where she's company commander for the 7305th Medical Training Support Battalion. She's also first vice commander for the American Legion Post 705th.

CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebooks at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer