Endorsing a District 3 candidate for Supervisor: what’s important to me?

We went to every festival and Farmer's Market asking folks to tell us, "What's important to me in District 3?" Here we are in Twain Harte on a hot day in July, 2006.

Four years ago when I was running for Supervisor, I visited each community to learn what is important to you. I went to farmers markets and festivals with flip chart, colored pens, and a question: “What’s important to you in District 3?”

Since I am not running for another term as Supervisor, many of you have asked me who I am endorsing – what’s important to me? I hadn’t planned to endorse, but enough of you have asked now that I will consider doing so this week.

I apologize in advance to the candidates for the fast turnaround time. Flexibility and quick responses are great character traits for this job.

I’ve watched all three candidates carefully over the last few months to determine who might best serve you, advance projects I’m working on, and champion issues you told me are important. I like all three of of the candidates as individuals, but this potential endorsement isn’t about personality or about finding a clone.

For those of you who don’t care what I think, let me acknowledge that an endorsement from me and two bits might be worth a cup of coffee in Twain Harte or Tuolumne. An endorsement is simply my opinion that you can take or leave.

So Mr. Fulcher, Mr. Bonnot, and Mr. Royce, here’s the deal. If you would like my endorsement (and you may not), please respond via email in writing to this Supervisor at info and answer the questions below by 8 pm Tuesday, June 1st. If you are unable to respond within that time or would prefer not to be considered, I’ll understand.

I’ll evaluate your responses and announce a decision (endorsement or no recommendation) on Weds. the 2^nd. Please understand I may post portions, all, or none of your responses for public review and dialogue, however, I’m not making the decision by committee. My endorsement, if I make one, comes from me alone.

District 3 Candidate’s Endorsement Questions

Please answer the following questions. Please don’t write a novel – brief, concise answers best fit this accelerated time frame.

1. How will you communicate with District residents (blog, newsletters, office hours, etc.)?
2.  Give an example of your listening and conflict resolution ability.
3. How could the Board increase public accountability and transparency?
4. How do you feel about increasing fees and taxes in good times and under the current poor economic conditions?
5. In reducing the county budget, which services would you vote to protect, which are not as important and why?
6. What is your understanding of coordination? Do you support or oppose the Board’s involvement in federal and state agency decision-making processes?
7. Do you support the hiring of a natural resources analyst to review environmental documents and agency plans? Why or why not?
8. Give your perspective on multiple uses and special land designations in the National Forest. Are there some that you feel should not be permitted and why?
9. Have you read the proposed Land Use Plan? Please comment on the reason to have or not have such a Plan.
10. Do you plan to be actively engaged in public lands issues?
11. What is your philosophy on land use planning and private property rights?
12. What are your top three priorities as Supervisor?
13. What else should I know and consider about your potential to serve as District 3 Supervisor?