1. What issues do you believe are most central to this year's District 1 supervisorial election?

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Job stimulus; creating more jobs for our bedroom community. I think we need to educate people on the programs that are available to them already especially for people who want to start business for themselves. We also need to solicit companies and other organizations to consider Lake County a viable location.

I also think that our local government needs to be held more accountable. It seems that too many decisions are made that benefit the people that "have connections" instead of decisions being made that best suit the whole of this county/district.

 

2. What traits make you the best person to represent District 1 on the Board of Supervisors?

 

People that know me or have worked with me would say that I am hardworking, loyal, motivated, a good leader, fair, balanced and flexible. During my 10 years in the Marine Corps I went through numerous leadership training courses to develop skills to deal with the diverse population that is enlisted in the Marine Corps. Also, I listen to all sides before I come to conclusions; I am trustworthy to represent all of the people in District 1 and not just a select group.

 

3. Are you for or against background checks and drug testing for In-Home Supportive Services workers who care for Lake County's elderly? Why or why not?

 

I'm in favor of background checks, however, exceptions may be made for some family members. Having served in a foster care home I know how vulnerable some situations can be. I would never want someone to take care of any family member of mine without them having a thorough background check. The people who need care are at risk of being abused physically, mentally and financially and should be protected.

 

4. What benefit or negative impact do you believe Indian gaming has had on the county's economy and county government's budget?

 

I think the Native American community with their enterprises has created jobs for locals and they volunteer to give money back to the county. To this point I believe it has been a win-win situation.

 

5. How serious a threat is the quagga mussel? Did the county move fast enough to stop its spread to Clear Lake and other county bodies of water?

From what I've read, it could be a very serious potential threat to our lake and surrounding lakes. Because the quagga mussel multiplies very rapidly and could wreak havoc on our lake's ecosystems.

 

It seems at this point, the county may have moved fast enough but, talking with boat ramp owners, the county should have prepared sooner when it was an issue with other lakes in the state. It would have been a much smoother transition for the ramp operators and boaters.

 

6. Where do you stand on Propositions 98 and 99, and, most particularly, what is your position regarding the use of eminent domain to seize private property for the purpose of transferring ownership to a private developer to build shopping centers, industrial complexes and other non-public projects?

 

I am 100-percent opposed to eminent domain in all forms. As long as the property is maintained and taxes are paid, a person's property is a person's property. I am opposed to both of the propositions, both seem to have wording and loopholes that leave judges and other officials at their own discretion to have the final say rather than the landowner.

 

7. How would you describe your philosophy for growth in Lake County? How can the county's growth best be managed?

 

Since Lake County is a bedroom community, having more houses than jobs, we need to focus on creating jobs either by educating people on becoming self-employed or soliciting outside companies to look at Lake County as a viable location. As far as county growth is concerned we have plenty of housing, we must create jobs and that will be no small task.

 

8. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, how will you uphold your oath of office?

 

When elected and I take the oath of office, I will do my best to uphold the state and US Constitutions; I will treat all the same, with respect, and not be swayed by special interest groups.

 

9. Agriculture is an important part of Lake County's economy. What is the biggest concern facing agriculture and what would you do about it? Are you for or against rezoning agricultural lands to other uses?

Lake County agricultural production values, 2006: $68,766,000 (state ranking: 41st)

Top five crops, by value, 2006:

Winegrapes, $43,205,000

Pears, $11,315,000

Nursery Products, $4,318,000

Walnuts, $3,353,000

Cattle and Calves, $2,250,000

(Courtesy of California Farm Bureau)

 

With numbers like these, we need to do all we can to support our local agriculture and bring in more.

I think it's important to use zoned land for its intended purposes first; however, when it is necessary and in the best interest of the district, I would have to look very closely at what is proposed and how the community responds to the project.

 

10. Do you favor making Lake County a GE-free zone when it comes to agricultural crops? Why or why not?

Before I could answer this question I would have to do more research on genetically engineered food and its long-term effects on the human body, if any.

 

11. What would be your approach to promoting local businesses and attracting new businesses to the county?

See question No. 1

Endorsements

Scott Fergusson's candidacy has been endorsed by the following local businesses and individuals.

5 Star Towing ~ Middletown

TJ Auto ~ Middletown

Copy Shack ~ Middletown

Mugshots Espresso ~ Middletown

Michael Tufts, Tufts Polygraph and Investigation ~ Middletown

La Corona Market ~ Middletown

Lake County Cleaning Company

Val's Pets ~ Middletown

Middletown Florist and Gifts

Middletown Garden Center

Middletown Barber Shop

Gotta Have It ~ Middletown ~ Shirley Milner

Carolyn Burns, Insurance Management Services ~ Middletown

Ravenwood Tree Service ~ Middletown

AAA Computer Repair ~ Lower Lake

Middletown Video

Chad Mosier, Mosier Engineering and Surveying ~ Middletown

Linda Fergusson, New York Life ~ Hidden Valley Lake

Devine Consignment ~ Middletown

Vanessa Hajje ~ Acupuncture Clinic ~ Middletown

David Holcomb, Esq., Law Offices ~ Middletown

Ryan Cooper, Software Developer ~ Middletown

Lakeshore Bait and Tackle ~ Clearlake

Lake Appliance ~ Middletown

Jan-Mar Corporation ~ Middletown

Teresa Welter CPS Realty / ACN ~ Hidden Valley Lake

Michelle Forney Astro Jumps ~ Hidden Valley Lake

Carrie Stine CPS Realty ~ Middletown

Deputy Mike Pasco, Lake County Sheriffs Dept

Nicolaj Murray, President, Konocti Rod and Gun Club

Willowside Meats Inc.

Randy Fung, Custom Pistol Grip Maker ~ Cobb

Jay De Foe, Phoenix Gallery ~ Middletown

TT Gun Leather ~ Middletown

Alfunze Construction ~ Middletown

Janina Elder Trustee DOJ ~ Middletown

Steve Wismer, Contractor / Teacher ~ Middletown

Marc and Heather Spadaro and Family

Wes and Kara Chapman and Family

Curtis and Tina Stewart and Family

Lisa Hemenway ~ Realtor

John J Berg CLU ~ Santa Rosa

Connie L George ~ Healdsburg

Holly Cade ~ Novato Ford

Ron Cade ~ US Army

Christel Haung ~ US Army

Robert Rosenthal ~ M.D.

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