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Opinion
I spent the Memorial Day weekend perusing my sample ballot booklet and looking at the information on the candidates.
After reviewing this material and doing some additional online research, I am voting for Denise Loustalot for Lake County supervisor.
The position of county supervisor is very important for our Northshore communities. The person whom we elect as supervisor is our advocate for essential county services such as public safety, roads and code enforcement. Denise Loustalot is best equipped to fulfill this role.
Denise is an independent leader who is not beholden to the current incumbent or other county government insiders. She has a proven track record for success in both business and community service.
Most of all, I was impressed that Denise has shown the determination and work ethic to succeed in the male-dominated automotive business. That’s the kind of person I want our next county supervisor!
On June 5, I will be voting for Denise Loustalot for District 3 supervisor.
Mary A. Ferrara lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
After reviewing this material and doing some additional online research, I am voting for Denise Loustalot for Lake County supervisor.
The position of county supervisor is very important for our Northshore communities. The person whom we elect as supervisor is our advocate for essential county services such as public safety, roads and code enforcement. Denise Loustalot is best equipped to fulfill this role.
Denise is an independent leader who is not beholden to the current incumbent or other county government insiders. She has a proven track record for success in both business and community service.
Most of all, I was impressed that Denise has shown the determination and work ethic to succeed in the male-dominated automotive business. That’s the kind of person I want our next county supervisor!
On June 5, I will be voting for Denise Loustalot for District 3 supervisor.
Mary A. Ferrara lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Mary A. Ferrara
I appreciate the opportunity to express an alternate viewpoint than has thus far been presented in letters to the editor about Measure G, the proposed 1.5-percent sales tax that will be on the June 5 ballot.
Recent letters by Phil Murphy did a grave disservice to hardworking county employees – at all levels. He did little to acknowledge what’s at stake and what’s been lost in the multiple disasters that hit our county three consecutive years and did nothing at all to further understanding about government – how it works – what it can and cannot do, depending on the availability of human and fiscal resources.
Measure G will put the unincorporated towns and areas of the county on par with the two cities that have already passed initiatives to increase taxes and are beginning to see positive results. Voters who live outside the city limits of Lakeport and Clearlake will decide on the proposed tax. The measure requires a simple majority vote to pass.
The tax in Measure G ends in 10 years unless re-enacted by the voters. It will not apply to food and utilities and requires an oversight committee to ensure transparency and accountability on how the funds are used. An anticipated $4.5 million into the county’s general fund is anticipated if the measure passes. The general fund is used to pay for our law enforcement programs, code enforcement, roads, parks, libraries, museums, administrative and other services not covered by dedicated funds.
The fact is the County has lost multiple millions of funding in recent years. As a former human resources professional and manager of large budgets and organizations I can say with certainty, it takes skilled workers in the right numbers to get projects completed and services delivered. And yes, they have to be paid at levels that are fair.
Regardless of past decisions, we’re falling deeper and deeper in a hole and Measure G is one way to address the endless needs and complaints from citizens who want more services. There are no more re-development funds from the State and funding sources have declined.
To understand the implications of our current state of affairs is to simply open our eyes to the reality of mountains of trash in our hillside neighborhoods; crime and environmental degradation occurring on our streets and in the back country; slow response times to calls from an understaffed sheriff’s department; a lack of county services to adequately or timely respond to code enforcement complaints; the need for qualified personnel to support things like expedited sales of county properties or to move projects through complex state and federal regulations; lack of funding to make project improvements that could boost our sagging economy; the very real losses incurred when trained, experienced employees leave to take jobs in nearby counties that offer better wages; and the difficulty in recruiting technical positions at all levels due to the county’s inability to offer competitive salaries.
Of course in all organizations, big and small, there are internal improvements and efficiencies that can be made. But the fact remains – there are real and mounting problems and people look to government for services and solutions that require funding.
Measure G is not a panacea, but it is, in my view, a necessary step in the right direction.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
Recent letters by Phil Murphy did a grave disservice to hardworking county employees – at all levels. He did little to acknowledge what’s at stake and what’s been lost in the multiple disasters that hit our county three consecutive years and did nothing at all to further understanding about government – how it works – what it can and cannot do, depending on the availability of human and fiscal resources.
Measure G will put the unincorporated towns and areas of the county on par with the two cities that have already passed initiatives to increase taxes and are beginning to see positive results. Voters who live outside the city limits of Lakeport and Clearlake will decide on the proposed tax. The measure requires a simple majority vote to pass.
The tax in Measure G ends in 10 years unless re-enacted by the voters. It will not apply to food and utilities and requires an oversight committee to ensure transparency and accountability on how the funds are used. An anticipated $4.5 million into the county’s general fund is anticipated if the measure passes. The general fund is used to pay for our law enforcement programs, code enforcement, roads, parks, libraries, museums, administrative and other services not covered by dedicated funds.
The fact is the County has lost multiple millions of funding in recent years. As a former human resources professional and manager of large budgets and organizations I can say with certainty, it takes skilled workers in the right numbers to get projects completed and services delivered. And yes, they have to be paid at levels that are fair.
Regardless of past decisions, we’re falling deeper and deeper in a hole and Measure G is one way to address the endless needs and complaints from citizens who want more services. There are no more re-development funds from the State and funding sources have declined.
To understand the implications of our current state of affairs is to simply open our eyes to the reality of mountains of trash in our hillside neighborhoods; crime and environmental degradation occurring on our streets and in the back country; slow response times to calls from an understaffed sheriff’s department; a lack of county services to adequately or timely respond to code enforcement complaints; the need for qualified personnel to support things like expedited sales of county properties or to move projects through complex state and federal regulations; lack of funding to make project improvements that could boost our sagging economy; the very real losses incurred when trained, experienced employees leave to take jobs in nearby counties that offer better wages; and the difficulty in recruiting technical positions at all levels due to the county’s inability to offer competitive salaries.
Of course in all organizations, big and small, there are internal improvements and efficiencies that can be made. But the fact remains – there are real and mounting problems and people look to government for services and solutions that require funding.
Measure G is not a panacea, but it is, in my view, a necessary step in the right direction.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Olga Martin Steele
As citizens of Lake County on June 5 we have a choice to make for the next district attorney. In making this choice we need to think about the future of our county and what type of leadership we need running our district attorney’s office.
I have known Steve Brown for many years on a personal and professional level. We shared similar paths growing up in Lake County. When I graduated from Lower Lake High School class of 1999, I knew of Steve as a freshman from Kelseyville High School because of his accomplishments as a high school wrestler. He was a true champion and one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever come out of Lake County.
After high school we both left Lake County for college, attended law school and then returned to Lake County to start our careers as young attorneys and serve the community that we both love.
When I met him as an adult and fellow lawyer we were both starting out as public defenders in Lake County. Working with Steve I quickly recognized that same dedication and fight he had as a wrestler was now being used in the courtroom for his clients. It is that fire and drive that sets Steve apart from the competition.
Our community now has the opportunity to use Steve’s drive for our benefit in running one of the most important law enforcement branches of our local community.
I have watched Steve in court dealing with extremely difficult opposing counsel. Steve’s ability to remain cool under pressure is remarkable. I have seen firsthand Steve’s level of preparation, his extremely sharp legal mind and knowledge of the law. He has proven to have a strong sense of moral right, justice and rational compassion for everyone.
Steve saw the need for new leadership in the Lake County DA’s Office and is willing to give up his career in private practice and serve our community by dedicating himself to the office of district attorney and bring his immense skills and energy to serve us all as a public servant.
When elected he will be tough and unrelenting on violent crime and dangerous drug manufacturing cases that ruin too many lives in our community and yet rational, fair and measured in directing the resources of the DA’s Office in prosecuting nonviolent crimes and low-level drug crimes better suited to mental health and diversion resolutions.
Steve has many years left in his career that he can dedicate to our community. The strength and leadership qualities that I see in Steve are similar to the qualities of Sheriff Brian Martin. Both are family men in their prime with deep roots to our community, and whose judgment I trust impeccably based on years of professional interaction.
Most of all I trust Steve’s integrity and ethics. I have never second-guessed his intentions. He is a man of his word who communicates honestly and directly. It is these qualities that I am most excited to see him bring to the DA’s Office and implement when dealing with the numerous responsibilities he will face both inside the courtroom and out. As the face of the DA’s Office I know he will represent our community well.
Our county needs sound stable leadership in the DA’s Office. Steve Brown will bring that needed leadership with the same commitment and drive that he has shown throughout his life thus far.
Steve is a true asset for all of us living in Lake County and I believe once elected, our community will truly benefit from the talents that his friends, family and coworkers have observed over his lifetime.
I wholeheartedly endorse Steve and look forward to seeing him in office as our next district attorney. I hope you will support Steve and vote for him this June.
Jesse B. Chrisp is a local attorney. He lives in Lucerne, Calif.
I have known Steve Brown for many years on a personal and professional level. We shared similar paths growing up in Lake County. When I graduated from Lower Lake High School class of 1999, I knew of Steve as a freshman from Kelseyville High School because of his accomplishments as a high school wrestler. He was a true champion and one of the most accomplished wrestlers to ever come out of Lake County.
After high school we both left Lake County for college, attended law school and then returned to Lake County to start our careers as young attorneys and serve the community that we both love.
When I met him as an adult and fellow lawyer we were both starting out as public defenders in Lake County. Working with Steve I quickly recognized that same dedication and fight he had as a wrestler was now being used in the courtroom for his clients. It is that fire and drive that sets Steve apart from the competition.
Our community now has the opportunity to use Steve’s drive for our benefit in running one of the most important law enforcement branches of our local community.
I have watched Steve in court dealing with extremely difficult opposing counsel. Steve’s ability to remain cool under pressure is remarkable. I have seen firsthand Steve’s level of preparation, his extremely sharp legal mind and knowledge of the law. He has proven to have a strong sense of moral right, justice and rational compassion for everyone.
Steve saw the need for new leadership in the Lake County DA’s Office and is willing to give up his career in private practice and serve our community by dedicating himself to the office of district attorney and bring his immense skills and energy to serve us all as a public servant.
When elected he will be tough and unrelenting on violent crime and dangerous drug manufacturing cases that ruin too many lives in our community and yet rational, fair and measured in directing the resources of the DA’s Office in prosecuting nonviolent crimes and low-level drug crimes better suited to mental health and diversion resolutions.
Steve has many years left in his career that he can dedicate to our community. The strength and leadership qualities that I see in Steve are similar to the qualities of Sheriff Brian Martin. Both are family men in their prime with deep roots to our community, and whose judgment I trust impeccably based on years of professional interaction.
Most of all I trust Steve’s integrity and ethics. I have never second-guessed his intentions. He is a man of his word who communicates honestly and directly. It is these qualities that I am most excited to see him bring to the DA’s Office and implement when dealing with the numerous responsibilities he will face both inside the courtroom and out. As the face of the DA’s Office I know he will represent our community well.
Our county needs sound stable leadership in the DA’s Office. Steve Brown will bring that needed leadership with the same commitment and drive that he has shown throughout his life thus far.
Steve is a true asset for all of us living in Lake County and I believe once elected, our community will truly benefit from the talents that his friends, family and coworkers have observed over his lifetime.
I wholeheartedly endorse Steve and look forward to seeing him in office as our next district attorney. I hope you will support Steve and vote for him this June.
Jesse B. Chrisp is a local attorney. He lives in Lucerne, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Jesse B. Chrisp
Words are not adequate to express our shock and heartbreak over the loss of the Middletown Hardester's Market ... still fondly thought of as Middletown's Corner Store. Many of us relate to Hardester's as far more than a place to shop, rather like a part of our extended family.
Our sympathies are boundless for the family that has seen many decades of work and dedication literally go up in smoke ... bitterly sad when plans were under way for a 75th anniversary celebration!
We at Gibson are particularly saddened because the Hardester family has played such a significant role in the founding and growth of Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. The very first donation, from Walter and Judy Hardester, solidified our plans and set the stage for the development to follow. The generosity of Hardester's Hardware and Hardester's Market in helping supply the materials and tools to refurbish the historic 1930s library building was a significant factor in Gibson's success, and a tribute to Middletown even had the museum not come to pass. The compilations of history donated by Deanie Hardester Wilmsen are invaluable.
While grateful, we've not been surprised. The Hardester family has been known for decades for quietly, without fanfare of any sort, supporting a variety of worthy causes in south Lake County as well as "helping out" individuals in times of need.
Now, we can all make the little bit of extra effort to shop the Hardester's markets in Hidden Valley Lake and Cobb and do whatever we can to support their recovery and rebuilding efforts in Middletown.
Nina Bouska and the volunteers at Gibson Museum & Cultural Center in Middletown, Calif.
Our sympathies are boundless for the family that has seen many decades of work and dedication literally go up in smoke ... bitterly sad when plans were under way for a 75th anniversary celebration!
We at Gibson are particularly saddened because the Hardester family has played such a significant role in the founding and growth of Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. The very first donation, from Walter and Judy Hardester, solidified our plans and set the stage for the development to follow. The generosity of Hardester's Hardware and Hardester's Market in helping supply the materials and tools to refurbish the historic 1930s library building was a significant factor in Gibson's success, and a tribute to Middletown even had the museum not come to pass. The compilations of history donated by Deanie Hardester Wilmsen are invaluable.
While grateful, we've not been surprised. The Hardester family has been known for decades for quietly, without fanfare of any sort, supporting a variety of worthy causes in south Lake County as well as "helping out" individuals in times of need.
Now, we can all make the little bit of extra effort to shop the Hardester's markets in Hidden Valley Lake and Cobb and do whatever we can to support their recovery and rebuilding efforts in Middletown.
Nina Bouska and the volunteers at Gibson Museum & Cultural Center in Middletown, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Nina Bouska