LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport Mayor Martin Scheel has announced his candidacy to represent the residents of District 4 on the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

“I am seeking the office of supervisor because Lake County needs fresh ideas, energy and leadership to build a stronger local economy and to help our communities recover from the devastating wildfires of 2015,” said Scheel, who is in his first term on the Lakeport City Council.

“I will be a full-time District 4 county supervisor who listens to the public, makes common sense decisions and keeps an open mind to diligently address local concerns,” he said.

Anthony Farrington, who currently holds the District 4 seat, indicated to Lake County News on Thursday that he has not decided whether he will seek another term.

Scheel was elected to the Lakeport City Council in November 2012 and currently serves as mayor.

He is active on county issues as chair of the Lake County Planning Council and the Lake County Transit Authority, and also serves in a regional leadership capacity as president of the Redwood Empire Division of the League of California Cities.

Scheel said one of his top priorities as supervisor will be fostering a closer working relationship between county government and the city of Lakeport. “I want to bring all District 4 residents together and further work to unite all Lake County communities to better resolve issues that affect our future.”

He pledged to use his background in general engineering construction, technology and marketing to attract good paying new jobs to our communities and make Lake County a better place for businesses to thrive and grow. “At the same time, I will work to ensure that the county adopts strong measures to protect the safety of our neighborhoods and preserve our small town quality of life.”

“During my three years of service on the Lakeport City Council, I have worked successfully to balance our city budget while supporting major water infrastructure improvements, acquiring a new police station and implementing a successful local marijuana ordinance,” said Scheel. “I will bring this same common sense approach to the county as our next supervisor.”

A Lake County resident for 30 years, Scheel works as a consultant for local construction and contracting businesses. He formerly worked for four years as a senior marketing manager with the innovative Internet firm, Earthlink. 

Scheel has volunteered with numerous community organizations including Lakeport Rotary, Lakeport Enhanced Education Foundation, Lakeport Senior Center and the Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association.

His wife Jennifer is a teacher and coach at Clear Lake High School. They have a son Mitchell who will be 2 years old in January.

Scheel's announcement of his plans to run for supervisor was accompanied by a number of endorsements from other community leaders.

“I am proud to support the election of Martin Scheel to the Board of Supervisors,” stated businesswoman and Lakeport Mayor Pro Tem Stacey Mattina. “He is a true community servant with the proven leadership skills to be an effective county supervisor for all the residents of District 4.”

Lifelong Lake County resident and retired Lakeport City Clerk Janel Chapman said, “I support Martin Scheel for District 4 Supervisor. He is a dedicated public official and the citizens of District 4 will benefit from his commitment to serving our community.”

“I’ve known Martin Scheel for many years and strongly endorse his candidacy,” said local business leader Linda Lindeblad. “He’s an independent and dedicated problem solver whom we can count on to work for the best interests of our communities.”

“As a businessman, I know how important it is to have elected officials who understand business and finance. Martin’s successful record on the city council is the kind of experience we need on the county Board of Supervisors,” said Kenny Parlet, Lakeport councilman and local business owner.

Other community leaders endorsing Martin Scheel’s candidacy for District 4 supervisor include: Jeff Markham, retired Lake County Sheriff's Office chief deputy; Lance Butcher, owner of Lakeport Disposal; Dave Meek Sr. of Meek Construction; and George Roxson, retired Lake County Sheriff's captain.

“It is truly an honor to earn the support of these respected community leaders,” said Scheel. “It demonstrates the broad base of community support that my candidacy is bringing together.”