Letters
- Details
- Written by: Mary Borjon
In addition to answering questions that were provided to candidates beforehand, the process allowed for community members to submit written questions for more spontaneous responses.
During the two-hour process, both candidates were given the opportunity to hear community members’ concerns, and provide responses that clarified their individual approaches to challenges, resource acquisition, knowledge about local and state governments, the systems within supervisors must function as well as their knowledge about a broad array of Lake County and specific District 5 issues.
This process allowed me to give careful consideration about who could best fill the complex job of District 5 supervisor.
Candidate Daniel Boone Bridges answered many of the questions from the viewpoint of a local, long-term resident, building contractor, property owner and proud family man with involvement in church and his immediate community. His answers often reflected his frustration with the local planning department and concern about local fire and law enforcement staffing shortages.
I heard only one specific approach to resolving staffing shortages in those fields of employment. Questions were often answered with generalizations about the importance of communication, working well with others and finding new resources.
He acknowledged that he would be on a big learning curve and was willing to surround himself with good and knowledgeable people.
His generalized answers reflected that he possibly did not understand the way in which a district supervisor is required to work with staff employed by the county, or how to acquire county resources. He also said several times that the supervisor’s role does not need to be full time.
When water resources were being discussed, Mr. Bridges stated that he was not aware of the critically important Middle Creek Restoration Project. He also incorrectly stated that the Board of Supervisors had declared the hitch an endangered species.
His remarks indicated that an issue on which he is strongly focused is the possibility that the name “Kelseyville” could be changed. Based on increased crowd reaction, it is clear that this is a complex issue that is not able to be resolved by any individual district supervisor. He did not verbally acknowledge that there is a federal process in place to make that decision.
A lasting impression is that Mr. Bridges has a narrow understanding of District 5 issues, strongly discounts the time required to be an elected official and effective supervisor, and has insufficient knowledge about the functions and multiple roles of supervisors within county government.
His several remarks about a squeaky wheel getting results presented an image of someone who may not seek out all possible solutions or may not be able to listen to all sides of a complex issue from a diverse set of constituents.
Incumbent Jessica Pyska answered questions with the viewpoint of someone who loves Lake County, is raising her family here, values the beauty and potential of Lake County and recognizes a myriad of complex challenges and needs among a diverse constituency.
Her answers to complex questions were specific, based on factual knowledge of the issue and knowledge of protocol and policy in which a supervisor must perform. Her on-the-job experience was reflected in all of her answers. Her level of knowledge about fire safety and her active involvement with agencies that can help Lake County and District 5 with the ongoing issues of climate change were exceptional.
Mrs. Pyska’s answers demonstrated a broad base of knowledge about the many issues facing our residents. She was able to name specific resources and strategies that are successfully being utilized for the benefit of the county.
She spoke with clarity about the tedious planning process of government and that actualizing the plans that have been made in the last three years will benefit Lake County in multiple ways.
Mrs. Pyska’s answers reflected her ability to handle competing priorities that mirror the needs of Lake County citizens. She demonstrated a knowledge of county finances and expressed value for the roles that her fellow supervisors and county staff play in daily implementation of local government.
Mrs. Pyska’s demeanor when listening to responses from her opponent was respectful. She clearly stated her understanding that a supervisor must seek out ways to hear all sides of critical issues.
Mrs. Pyska’s responses to questions were thoughtful and most importantly contained accurate information based on her personal pursuit of information and her experience as a district supervisor.
Her work ethic has helped to put District 5 and Lake County in a position to acquire important resources and resolve challenges.
A lasting impression is that she has a positive, hope filled, and long-term vision for Lake County and has consistently demonstrated that she is capable of success and willing to work more than full time to realize that vision.
Mary Borjon lives in Kelseyville, California.
- Details
- Written by: Gary Frace
The Lake County DSA is a labor organization consisting of deputies, sergeants and district attorney investigators. Its principal purpose is to represent its members in matters regarding wages, hours of labor, working conditions, economic benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.
The Lake County DSA supports the highest professional standards for peace officers by encouraging the establishment of training schools and other methods of instruction.
Being a lifelong resident, Undersheriff Bingham understands the needs unique to Lake County and the safety of the community.
He has long fought to enhance public safety, uphold professional training standards, and retain quality deputies at the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Undersheriff Bingham has long created a high level of professional trust among the deputies at the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
He will be a great law and order sheriff who believes in the core principles and values of being a law enforcement officer and a Lake County deputy.
The Lake County DSA appreciates Undersheriff Bingham's willingness to keep communication avenues open and his concerted efforts to seek the Lake County DSA's input on issues involving the deputies and the community.
These qualities make him truly deserving of the Lake County Deputy Sheriff Association's support.
We look forward to his election as the next Lake County sheriff.
Gary Frace, president of the Lake County DSA, is writing on behalf of the board of directors.
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- Written by: Olga Martin Steele
The spirit of the season is on display — as the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
Gift giving is a central feature of the holidays. For many, giving extends beyond home and family. The generosity of others is a truly wonderful aspect of the season and end of year giving is essential to the many nonprofit organizations who help, during the holidays and year-round, to make sure those less fortunate are supported — in ways perhaps not broadly realized.
In Lake County, where poverty rates are high, end of year giving brings holiday cheer. As a member of several nonprofit organizations, I can attest to that. End of year giving is a highly encouraged, appreciated, and meaningful gesture.
Recently a dear friend and neighbor, Jackie Riche, asked me to recommend some giving options — she was making her end of year giving decisions and wanted to give where the impact was lasting and meaningful.
I suggested the Live Your Dream Program sponsored by the Clear Lake Soroptimists. Through grants, this unique program supports women and girls working to change their life trajectory.
Participants in the program have overcome untold hardship – poverty, homelessness, abuse or worse. Most are working moms who exist on limited incomes yet somehow make time to continue their schooling. They are all enrolled in an academic or vocational curriculum and grants from the Live Your Dream program are helping them turn their goals and dreams into realities.
End of year giving can help break the cycle of poverty and is a good way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those choosing education as an important self-improvement step on the path to economic sustainability.
My friend Jackie sent an end of year gift to the Live Your Dream Program. “Perhaps others will as well,” she said.
For information about how to support women and girls through the Live Your Dream Program, visit the Soroptimist of Clear Lake’s Facebook page or text a message to 916-849-8170.
Donations can be mailed to Soroptimist International of Clear Lake, P.O. Box 966, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, California.
- Details
- Written by: Judy E. Fletcher
After years, sometimes decades, in the classroom giving back to their students, retired teachers continue to give back to local communities through their pocketbooks and their passion for volunteerism.
The week of Nov. 5 to 11, 2023, is California’s 25th annual Retired Teachers Week.
According to figures from the California Retired Teachers Association, retired teachers statewide donated more than one million hours of volunteer service in the past year valued at more than $39 million.
In addition to their donated time, retired teachers are part of the swell of economic benefits California receives from public pensioners as they spend their pension benefit checks.
In California, expenditures stemming from state and local pensions supported 381,038 jobs and $11.9 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.
In fact, each dollar paid out in pension benefits supported $4.59 in total economic activity in California!
Retired teachers will continue to give back — both economically and through our volunteer service.
We cared about our students and our communities while we worked as educators, and that caring doesn’t stop at retirement.
Judy E. Fletcher is president of California Retired Teachers Association, Division 35, of Lake County, California.
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