MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Former District 1 Planning Commissioner Monica Rosenthal has announced her candidacy for the county supervisorial seat currently held by Jim Comstock, who is retiring in 2016.

“South Lake County is facing important decisions to strengthen our local economy and protect the small town quality of life and the unique diversity of our community,” said Rosenthal. “My experience, commitment and connections locally, countywide and regionally will enable me to successfully address both the needs and opportunities for the people of the First District.”

Rosenthal said she's dedicated to preserving the county's rural lifestyle and environment. “That is why I led the fight to protect our communities from inappropriate land development and stop the rampant spread of commercial marijuana grows. As our next supervisor, I will bring a balanced approach to land use that supports our vital farming and tourism industries while attracting quality new businesses to South Lake County.”

Another of Rosenthal's priorities is providing a safe and stable community. “I have a good working relationship with our new sheriff and, as supervisor, I will make sure that South Lake County receives the highest level of law enforcement services possible.”

She added, “Within our communities, it is very important to engage and empower people. From our youth to our seniors, dignity and respect is vital. Sound educational opportunities and involvement in sports, exercise and the arts along with access to support services and transportation is critical for thriving communities.”

A Middletown resident for two decades, Rosenthal and her husband Dave have raised two children in Lake County, farm winegrapes, and own and operate a small business.

She served as the District 1 representative on the Lake County Planning Commission from 2007 to 2009; represented District 1 on the Lake County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for the past five years; and is currently serving her second term appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the Napa/Lake Work Force Investment Board to promote employment training and job opportunities in Lake County.

Rosenthal is a member of several local community organizations including the Middletown Fire Sirens, Middletown Merchants and the Middletown Area Town Hall.

She has served on the Lake County Tourism Board and actively supports the efforts of the Lake County Economic Development Committee.

Rosenthal also is a member of the Lake County Sierra Group, Lake County Land Trust and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

So far, Rosenthal already has received several endorsements from well-known community members.

“With her meaningful decisions, knowledge and the abilities, I trust that Monica will actively drive sustainable business and tourism in Lake County,” said LaDonn Morgan Garcia, business owner and Hidden Valley Lake resident.

“Monica Rosenthal will be an effective voice for common sense leadership on the County Board of Supervisors,” said former Lake County Farm Bureau Executive Director Chuck March. “She has a good solid understanding of the land use policies; she has my enthusiastic endorsement.”

“I'm proud to endorse Monica Rosenthal,” said retired District 1 Supervisor Ed Robey. “She has the community leadership and planning background to serve us with distinction on the County Board of Supervisors.”

“Monica has the ability to work well with all sides on the issues while maintaining her focus on making the right decision for Lake County residents,” noted Supervisor Rob Brown in endorsing her candidacy. “That ability will make her an excellent county supervisor.”

Other South County community leaders endorsing Rosenthal's candidacy include Six Sigma winery owner Kaj Ahlmann; Middletown resident Ken Gonzales; and Realtor Rick Hamilton.

“My campaign is off to a tremendous start and I’m truly humbled by the broad base of community support that my candidacy for supervisor is receiving,” said Rosenthal. “We will be announcing a campaign kickoff event in the very near future.”