Campaign Issues
Leadership
Strong, responsible leadership is at issue in this election. I am committed to being a supervisor who truly represents the concerns and issues of all of the people of the Second district; A strong voice with strong vision for the future and an inclusive approach to government.
I will bring strong, realistic, pragmatic leadership to the 2nd District. I will work actively with departmental staff and provide the guidance needed to keep government on a proactive path toward a sustainable and healthy economy and environment. And I will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard as we create solutions that will benefit all.
I pledge to be a representative the district can be proud of. As supervisor, I will lead by example and restore trust in county government by being effective, accountable and responsible. I will work with my colleagues on the board as well as state and federal representatives and agencies to ensure that the concerns of the 2nd district are addressed.
Jobs/Economy
While we must protect and strengthen our resource-based industries, we must also work hard to diversify our economy and encourage innovation and light industry. I will work hard to make sure that the second district will play an important role in this forward movement and create the kind of good paying jobs that will improve our economy and ensure our children‘s future.
Now is the time for Humboldt County to establish itself as a venue for cutting edge information, communication and energy technology. I will encourage technology start-ups, research and development.
Economic and Job Creation Plan
Infrastructure
I will explore every possible avenue toward restoring our county roads to ensure the safety of those who travel them on a daily basis, school kids, area workers, delivery truck drivers, utility companies, firefighters and law enforcement personnel. Good roads are essential not only to safety but to the movement of goods and services.
I will work to provide infrastructure for diversification of the economy. High-speed Internet access is a key element of success in any business. It is also increasingly important to our safety. I will work to ensure wireless broadband service to outlying areas, bringing essential services to residents across the second district and beyond, and helping to bridge the digital divide in the process.
Public Safety
Fire Safety and emergency response is a key issue for residents of the 2nd District. I will work very hard to ensure that firefighters, both paid and volunteer get all the help they need to protect and serve residents of outlying areas. At the same time I will also work with the Sheriff’s Department in an effort to increase the number of deputies available to serve our rural residents.
My extensive on-the-ground experience will ensure that the 2nd district gets the services it needs during natural and other disasters and I pledge to work hard to support the efforts of those who plan for and respond to those emergencies.
Housing/Health Care
Housing availability is essential to attracting and keeping a strong workforce in the district. I will actively support both private and public investment in housing for the workers of the 2nd district. A good quality of life and access to health care will ensure that our kids won’t have to move away to make a good living while also ensuring that talented professionals remain to provide the quality health care we need.
Clean Energy
Humboldt County, the 2nd district in particular, has already made great strides in researching and developing clean, renewable energy models for the future. I will work to build on this foundation and encourage local entrepreneurs, innovators and agencies to take our rightful place at the table as California leads the nation in this field.
Land Use Planning
The General Plan is the county’s blueprint for future planning and development. The framework plan of 1984 is currently being updated. Whatever changes are made will affect planners, builders, developers, resource managers, land owners and home owners and every community in the county for the next 20 years or more. I believe in an inclusive solution-oriented approach to county government and planning. As 2nd district supervisor I will work to ensure that the needs and views of all stakeholders are taken into account while we work to encourage protection of our precious resources and plan for a healthy, clean, sustainable and vibrant future in an environment we can all be proud of.
