Susanne La Faver is seeking the District 1 supervisorial seat this November. Courtesy photo.

1. Please give a basic picture of what you believe a supervisor's goals and responsibilities should be. What traits do you possess that you believe make you the best qualified to be District 1's next supervisor? What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent?

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Serving as supervisor is a major responsibility and the issues coming before us are of profound importance. Supervisors oversee county operations and services, adopt the budget, select department heads, determine land use, set policy, etc., as well as anticipate and plan for future needs.

Throughout my long career and in public service, I’ve been recognized as a good leader – focused, conscientious and honest – and I’m committed to being a good leader for District 1 and all of Lake County.

I have the political courage to advocate strongly for citizens. For example, I spoke against the proposed water ski lake to the Planning Commission and for the new GE-free ordinance to the Board of Supervisors. My opponent attended both meetings, but said nothing. Also, I have demonstrated integrity. For example, I met with developers, but declined campaign donations when they were offered.

2. Development is a main topic of discussion in this year’s District 1 race. How should growth be directed in the south county in order to prevent sprawl? Do you agree more with the newly adopted General Plan or with the proposals from the Middletown Area Plan when it comes to community boundaries? Are there any proposed developments about which you’re particularly concerned?

As District 1 supervisor, I’ll manage growth in a positive way to prevent sprawl. I believe we must strengthen and direct development toward existing communities where water and sewer, roads and utilities are available.

I support the county’s new General Plan Community Growth Boundaries, and believe I possess the professional expertise to help move us towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

I’m all for economic development and helping current businesses grow and new businesses coming in, but I do have a problem with building in a flood plain. I’m also concerned with the rezoning of agricultural land. But, I have an open mind and believe in our review process through the Community Planning Department and the Planning Commission. I will listen to citizens – merchants and land owners – to see what proposed developments they want.

3. Supervisors must use both their own judgment and input from their constituents to make informed decisions. Explain how you would approach making a difficult decision about a divisive issue. If your personal opinion differed with those of the majority in your district, how would you reconcile those two viewpoints to make the best decision for District 1?

I’m prepared to make balanced, fair decisions for residents and their families, whether the process is comfortable for me or difficult. I’m ready to do the hard work, the research, the organizing and the follow-through. I will think strategically and move decisively. I’ll be asking for citizen input too. We’ve seen the power of community involvement in making Lake County a better place. The people of District 1 are incredibly hard workers and can get things done. Working together, we can turn our ideas and dreams to practical actions.

4. Business development and job creation are critical to our local economy. Do you have a plan for attracting new businesses to the south county and, if so, what kinds of businesses would you target? Would those include “big box” stores such as Costco, Lowe’s or Home Depot? At the same time, how would you protect existing businesses?

A multi-pronged effort must occur to save our local economy. New businesses won’t be attracted to an area where the current businesses are floundering; therefore, we first need to shore up our small businesses by ensuring owners utilize all the available free, confidential business consulting services. We must support the local businesses by shopping here, hire internally, and purchase services and products from individuals and businesses within the county. Next, we need to identify the right locations for new businesses, where water, sewer, roads, and utilities are available. Then, I will recruit small commercial, light industry and high-tech jobs with high salaries and good benefits so people living here with skills won’t have to commute.

Finally, I would help create new opportunities for young Lake County entrepreneurs through a Junior Achievement Program that teaches business and economics to high school students. I’ll facilitate the connection between the business community and young workers, including developing internships, work experience programs and job shadowing to prepare young people for the work world.

Opportunities for commerce, education and health care are incumbent upon reliable high-speed Internet and cell phone capacity. These are essential services not available to many District 1 residents. Also, public transportation is limited for potential employees to travel to jobs. I will work to change that.

I will work with the county’s Economic Development Program to make all this happen, and with Congressman Mike Thompson to get business promotion funds and rural county exceptions for businesses like a local meat-packing plant. A meat-packing business would help local ranchers maximize profits by selling to high-end restaurants, and provide greater dependence on local food, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.

I agree with our General Plan and don’t support “big box” stores in the county’s unincorporated areas.

5. The Board of Supervisors recently adopted a resolution encouraging voluntary rent stability agreements at local mobile home parks. What is your stance on rent stability or rent control?

I’m concerned with residents of mobile home parks and others with limited incomes and their continued access to affordable housing.

6. The Lake County Board of Supervisors is responsible for managing a budget for more than $200 million. Please explain any hands-on experience you have with managing large budgets, including situations in which you were required to make cuts and/or approve increases in spending. What would you do to make sure that the south county’s needs are addressed in the county budget?

I’ve years of experience creating multi-million dollar budgets for programs I’ve administered here and abroad. Because I haven’t had experience with budgets the size of Lake County’s, as supervisor, I would initially rely on county experts who do.

I’ve experienced the pain of laying off employees and being laid off myself. As a department manager in a Fortune 500 agriculture and food processing company, I made difficult staffing cuts during a global market down-turn. My entire department was eventually eliminated and I was laid off, as were many others.

I will work with local citizens to assess and prioritize the budgetary needs of District 1. I realize budgeted funds must be shared among all county residents and used for many required services.

7. With the state experiencing critically dry water years and a growing population, water is becoming an increasingly critical issue in California and here in Lake County. Do you have any ideas about how to protect local water resources in order to ensure Lake County will have enough water in the future? What meaningful part can the Board of Supervisors play in ensuring the county’s water supply?

Our zoning ordinance and new General Plan contain strong provisions designed to protect our water resources for the benefit of people as well as the environment. As supervisor, I will support the Community Development Department and the Planning Commission in their efforts to enforce conscientious, careful water management. I will also collaborate with community-based watershed protection groups throughout Lake County.

8. While supervisors specifically represent a particular area, they also have a say in matters pertaining to the rest of the county. What is the one prevailing issue facing Lake County that you’re most concerned about, and what actions would you take in response to it?

Growth is the most important issue facing the county. There will always be a tug of war between those who pursue profitable development opportunities and those who want to preserve the status quo. I believe a sensible balance lies somewhere between the two points of view. And, fortunately, we have some powerful tools to help us find that balance. Our new General Plan is a very effective guidepost for making decisions about growth. I respect the work that the County’s Community Development Department has done to develop the new plan, using input from the community and the Planning Commission.

9. If elected, what is the first issue or project you would tackle?

Concurrent issues of the economy, growth and water are my top concerns.

10. What is your vision of Lake County in 20 years?

Investments now will result in long-term prosperity and sustainability. Open space, farmland and natural beauty will be key assets, along with a mobilized citizenry. Lake County will be a highly desired vacation destination, place to raise healthy families, site appropriate businesses and services, and retire.

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