Letters
- Details
- Written by: Roberta Lyons
The incumbent, Jessica Pyska, has an impressive record and fresh ideas. She has many proven accomplishments that you need to know about.
They include: securing numerous grants for wildfire safety programs including for removal of 20,000 hazardous trees along our roadways, home hardening in the Kelseyville Riviera, improvement of senior citizen centers, safe routes to schools for Kelseyville, and extending broadband in the county. Jessica can point to many more accomplishments which can be viewed on her website.
Don’t fall for the simplified and divisive rhetoric of her main opponent, Boone Bridges. He has latched on to an inflammatory narrative to divide people — pitting neighbors against each other over the controversial Kelseyville name change issue.
Whatever your stance is on this proposal, (and in my opinion, it’s premature to have a stance without hearing all the details and listening with an open mind as the process unfolds) you can rest assured that Pyska will be there to do all she can to support the entire community.
Besides, is Kelseyville’s name the most important issue for those of us living in District 5? It isn’t for me.
The important issues include responsible vegetation management to protect communities against wildfire, improving our roads, and sustainable economic development.
If you ask Jessica about any of these topics, she can answer with knowledge and tell you exactly what she has accomplished and what has already been set in motion.
What are Boone Bridges’ plans? Does he have a relationship with both state and federal agencies and representatives that have been able to help Lake County? Does he have specific knowledge of the numerous grants that are available? Will he treat this position as a full-time job as has Supervisor Pyska?
Roberta Lyons lives in Jago Bay near Lower Lake, California.
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- Written by: Cyndy Forbes
I attended the candidates’ forum on Jan. 9th and streamed the Lake County Farm Bureau on Feb. 3. Laura stood out to me from among the other candidates because of her strong business sense and her ability to apply common sense solutions to key issues affecting District 4 and Lake County residents, such as our low housing stock and the impacts of climate change on our water supply.
When Laura addressed questions about building a secure environment for small businesses in Lake County at the candidates’ forum, it was clear that she was drawing on the many years as the CEO of our Chamber of Commerce, her experience as a human resource professional and an employee working for large corporations and small businesses.
I was also impressed by her publicly stated willingness to collaborate with statewide elected assembly members and senators on both sides of the aisle to get the funding and resources Lake County needs to address the challenges faced by business owners. And because of her extensive experience working with developers through the Chamber of Commerce, I am convinced that she understands how to work with government agencies to streamline business permitting and get the housing we need built.
She has already built the relationships needed to balance the needs of Lake County residents ranging from business owners to unhoused community members and farmers to members of the Pomo tribe. As a result, she will be ready to address our needs from the moment she is elected.
In conclusion, I believe that Laura McAndrews Sammel is the right choice for the District 4 supervisor seat. Her understanding of our district's financial needs, her commitment to maintaining and enhancing vital services, and her leadership in business advocacy and human resources make her an excellent candidate for this position.
I urge all District 4 voters to support Laura in the upcoming election. Who we elect as supervisor will impact all District 4 residents for the next several years.
Cyndy Forbes lives in Lakeport, California.
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- Written by: Linda Diehl-Darms
As a lifelong resident of this area, I know how important it is to have a representative who truly cares about our communities.
That's why I'm endorsing Helen: She is not a politician, but a dedicated public servant who has given countless hours of her time to help others.
One of the things I appreciate most about Helen is her commitment to listening to the people she serves. She won't just assume that she knows what's best — she'll take the time to hear our concerns and make decisions based on what the majority of us want.
Helen does not have long-term connection and ties to elected officials or governmental agencies. This gives her an advantage as she will be approaching issues and advocating for us from a fresh perspective and not from a place of politics as usual.
Helen’s only agenda is listening and representing the people of District 1. With 30 years of successful business experience, Helen has the skills and know-how to make smart decisions that benefit our communities.
• Helen believes in responsible budgeting that prioritizes community needs without raising taxes.
• She will work to streamline the process for obtaining a county permit and support our local tourism, agriculture and small businesses.
• Helen is a supporter of smart growth that promotes the creation of local jobs.
• She understands that each community in our district is unique, and she will always be an advocate for their specific needs.
• Helen is a sixth generation resident of District 1 who cares deeply about this area. She values our natural resources, rural living, and preserving our night skies.
• Helen will be cognizant of the placement of legal cannabis grows to minimize impacting residential areas.
• She will support our law enforcement, first responders, veterans and seniors, and advocate for our youth.
• She is hardworking, dedicated and committed to improving our communities.
I am confident that Helen Owen is the best candidate for District 1 supervisor. I urge you to vote for Helen and support her vision for a brighter future for Lake County!
Linda Diehl-Darms lives in Middletown, California.
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- Written by: Tracey Hawkins
The only local in the race, Helen is trustworthy, honest, intelligent.
Helen is generational Lake County. She has generously mentored countless youth, supported local rodeo and continues to be a shining example to all in our community.
She supports local business and understands our local economy from a personal and business owner’s perspective.
Tracey Hawkins is founding partner/vintner of Hawk and Horse Vineyards in Lower Lake, California.





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