Working Together to Get Things Done

Most of you know that I am not seeking re-election for county supervisor. As I complete my 8th year in office, the June election is well underway. It is time to take a moment to share my thoughts with you about the upcoming election.

First, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to serve this district. I stand in awe of the people, our communities and the sheer beauty of our area. This is a place many Americans can only dream of.

Second, I’m pleased to report considerable progress on the challenges we faced in the last 8 years. Working together we have:

• Drafted or revised seven Community Plans.
• Moved government and veterans services to local community service centers.
• Completed massive cleanup projects with hundreds of volunteers.
• Developed the CHIPS Project through partnerships with government and private interests allowing workers to provide stewardship for our forests. Millions of dollars in public and private funds have been committed.
• Created a county wide Parks and Recreation Commission, improved many recreational facilities and developed new trails.
• Saved Rail Road Flat School three times.
• Helped fund branch libraries, senior and youth centers and enhanced mental health services.
• Revised ag-zoning codes to preserve and expand agricultural enterprise.
• Addressed errors on FEMA maps that showed high country properties in flood plains.
• Developed job training programs for veterans, youth and laid off workers.
• Defended the Moke River by defeating EBMUD’s proposed dam project.
• Established 6 community gardens that provide food to the food bank and to local families. Also, 120 seniors have received firewood from local forest projects.
• I am particularly proud of the 70 District 2 citizens I’ve appointed to county commissions who are outstanding leaders in their own right.

These are a few of the many projects operating in District 2. I have only 8 more months before my term expires but there are at least 8 years of work ahead. Therefore, I must ask myself, “How can we make sure that the work begun in 2005 will continue and expand into the future? Who will be both willing and able to take on the ongoing challenges when I step down?”

This leads me to my third point: Many of you have asked me where I stand with the current candidates. I have been reluctant to express my opinions given the fierce independence and tendency to ignore the advice of elected officials among voters in our district. However, a review of candidate forums and platform statements inspires me to make an endorsement at this time. I believe that Chris Wright is the only candidate who will continue the progress we’ve made over the last decade. He is Calaveras grown, has worked closely with me on economic development projects and is committed to civility in government (a rare commodity these days.) Also important is that with Chris in my current job we would have a smooth transition ensuring program continuity. Please give Chris the most serious consideration for your vote.

Unfinished jobs that will require Chris’ strong leadership and experience will include:

• Opening up the Moke River to commercial rafting which will provide big economic and recreational benefits to our county.
• Busting up the Meth Trade. (We’ve had 20 arrests in District 2 in the last two months and more on the way thanks to active community involvement.) End the scourge!
• Creating new efficiencies in government. We don’t need 20 county departments, 4 school districts and 12 water and sewer agencies.

I will be active on these and other issues over the next 8 months for sure. But the next supervisor will have to continue the work that is under way.

Thank you again for allowing me to undertake this wonderful adventure. As for the future, I hope to prove there is life after public service.