It seems that Ed Robey has a short memory. When I moved to Lake County, I looked at the candidates running for supervisor and supported Ed in his prior pursuit for reelection with a $3,000 donation. The North Coast Builders Exchange and landowners who Ed did not mention endorsed Ed and made significant contributions to his campaign. Both Fletcher Thornton and I contributed more to Ed than either of us have given to Jim Comstock. Stan Blythe, the original developer for Vintage Faire, held a fundraiser for Ed, and gave him significant cash contributions.

It is convenient for Ed to try to classify me as a “developer.” In actuality, I am one of the top livestock producers in Lake County, and I am in the top 10 Black Angus seed producers in the state of California. I came to Lake County because I love the rural values and lifestyle that we have here. Agriculture plays a significant role in our local economy, and I put my support behind whichever candidate I believe will work best to preserve sustainability and quality of life.

About three years ago I applied for a 40-lot subdivision in the Middletown area. The Diamond D ranch which I own has a long history of supporting community growth. In fact, Middletown's school athletic fields originally supplied hay for Diamond D cattle. I respect the area plan and have placed pursuit of that development on hold while we wait to see if the proposed location will fall within the community boundaries.

In this election, I have decided that Jim Comstock is the candidate with the best qualifications, historical understanding and vision for the South County.

Rancher Mike Browning lives in Middletown.

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Written by: Mike Browning

Published: 29 October 2008