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

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The primary issue is the state budget deficit and potential impacts on people in rural Lake County. Next are growth, water resources, senior and youth programs, public safety and, as always, roads.

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

I have the dedication, passion, and sense of responsibility, as well as knowledge and skills, to lead. I’m motivated by the highest principles of public service, and have the judgment to make decisions benefiting our community now and in the future. Finally, I have a positive attitude and not self interest.

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 trust people to make personal decisions about who they want to care for them, and respect their decision-making abilities. I do not support background checks or drug testing for In-Home Support Service workers.

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

Indian gaming is a benefit to our local economy and county budget. Casinos are major employers and participate in the county’s marketing program. Since much of our economy depends on tourism, casinos are a valuable addition to the mix of activities Lake County offers. They also contribute to many community programs and activities.

Until this year, when the state budget eliminated the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund, our county received more than $500,000 annually. It will be important to work with our elected officials in Sacramento to restore this funding.

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?

The threat of quagga mussel to our waterways is very serious. It could have major economic impacts. Only time will tell if the county moved fast enough to stop its spread; however, I’m very impressed with Water Resources Program Coordinator Carolyn Ruttan’s efforts to educate about quagga mussels and consequences of them getting a foothold here.

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 will vote “no” on Proposition 98 and “yes” on Proposition 99. I support analysis by the League of Women Voters of California that says Proposition 99 prohibits the seizure of homes for private development projects.

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

I support managing Lake County’s growth in a positive way. I’m excited about the county’s new general plan, which will guide development for the next 20 years. I support the plan’s community growth boundaries where water and sewer are available and the adherence to smart growth concepts. These concepts focus on the design and form of development, rather than the quantity, and include creation of distinctive, walkable neighborhoods; preservation of natural beauty and farmland; and direction of new development toward existing communities.

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

I will uphold my oath of office to the best of my ability.

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?

It's extremely difficult to earn a living farming. Many farmers opt to sell their land for financial gain because they don't want to farm anymore and their heirs don't choose the farming lifestyle. Another difficulty is that agriculture is a commodity market. Pears replaced grapes during Prohibition and are now being replaced by grapes as a successful cash crop. Who knows what crop will reign next.

The face of Lake County’s agriculture is changing; however, agriculture is essential to our economy. It provides jobs, agritourism, and is central to maintaining our rural lifestyle and culture.

I encourage “community supported agriculture” in addition to Farmer’s Markets. Sustainability includes citizens buying fresh fruits and vegetables and other goods from local growers. A shared understanding of agriculture develops when purchasers see more of one vegetable and less of another during the harvest season.

Additionally, I’d like to see the county more aggressively promoted as an agritourism destination to both local residents and outside the county. A seasonal guide to Lake County farms could be created similar to the Sonoma County Farm Trails. Regional creation of cultural and historical itineraries, in which I’ve participated, should be implemented as well as media tours.

Generally, I’m against rezoning agricultural lands for other uses; however, there may be future considerations outlined in the new general plan.

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

Yes, because the citizens, environmentalists and many farmers want it and it will include Lake County in a regional marketing opportunity for increased agriculture and environmental tourism.

As the third-generation in my family to work in agriculture, I took longer to come to this conclusion than some people would have liked. The tipping points for me were the May 6 public workshop on genetically engineered crops and the announcement of a new Lake County Farm Bureau Organic Committee.

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

I’ll work for the development of a local business park and faster utility hook-up for new businesses.

Additionally, I encourage people who are in business or want to start a business to take advantage of all local resources. There is free and low-cost support for small business in Lake County. Mt. Konocti Facilitation and Small Business Administration provide ongoing business consultation and Yuba College, Clear Lake Campus offers business classes.

Finally, I want to develop young entrepreneurs with a Junior Achievement Program that teaches business and economics to high school students. Work experience and job shadowing will also prepare young people for the work world.

Endorsements:

Supervisor Ed Robey

Supervisor Denise Rushing

Clearlake City Council member Judy Thein

Clearlake City Council member Joyce Overton

Konocti Unified School District Board President Herb Gura

Mendocino Supervisor Kendall Smith

Sierra Club

National Women’s Political Caucus of California

Planned Parenthood, Shasta-Diablo Action Fund

Roberta Lyons, Lower Lake

Jon and Charlotte Ambrose, Hidden Valley Lake

Frieda Camotta, Hidden Valley Lake

Bill Barrows and Connie Miller, Hidden Valley Lake

Joy Birum, Hidden Valley Lake

Victoria Brandon, chair, Sierra Club Lake Group

Linda Brodnansky, Lakeport

Ian Caliendo, PG&E Government Relations, Eureka

Becky Curry, Kelseyville

Teddy Duke, Hidden Valley Lake

Beth Robey, Lower Lake

Kate Schmidt-Hopper, Hidden Valley Lake

Carolyn Graham, Hidden Valley Lake

Phyllis Kelsey, Middletown

Jeff and Nancy Bailey, Middletown

Michelle Borzoni, Hidden Valley Lake

Mary Brandeau, Hidden Valley Lake

Phil and Sandy Bayles, Hidden Valley Lake

Gregory Burtt. Trinchero Wine Co., Hidden Valley Lake

Marvin Carpenter, Clearlake

Stephen and Angela Carter, Hidden Valley Lake

Lydia Davisson, Hidden Valley Lake

Holly, Jim and Lauren Evans-White, Hidden Valley Lake

Dan and Randa Fish, Hidden Valley Lake

Stan and Lilo Hansen, Hidden Valley Lake

Wanda Harris, Hidden Valley Lake

Carl and Mary Beth Ingvoldstad, Hidden Valley Lake

Mona Locke, Middletown

Tom and Vivian McFarling, Lower Lake

Patricia Meyer, Cobb

Valerie and Dan Moberg, Hidden Valley Lake

Hedy Montoya, Hidden Valley Lake

Val Muchowski, president National Women’s Political Caucus of Mendocino

Melissa Neigum, Middletown

Jim and Mary Penney, Middletown

Bryan Ridste, Hidden Valley Lake

Robert and Arlene Rowe, Hidden Valley Lake

Roy and Jacque Spiker, Middletown

Georgeann Tintorri, Hidden Valley Lake

Bill and Carolyn Tobin, Middletown

Betty Vannoy, Hidden Valley Lake

Sandra West, Kelseyville

Joan Worster, Hidden Valley Lake

Inez Wenckus, Cobb

Jim and Paula Werner, Lower Lake

Marta Williams, Middletown

Greta Zeit, Middletown

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