Our third and final District 3 candidate to respond to my Candidate Questionnaire is Evan Royce. He, like Bob and Dave, is a resident of Tuolumne. Evan, you are also flexible and quick to respond! Thank you!
1. How will you communicate with District residents (blog, newsletters, office hours, etc.)?
I will have regular office hours at the Twain Harte, Mi-Wuk, and Tuolumne Library for my constituents. I will communicate through community newsletters such as the Tuolumne Township Citizens Group. I will use my website, email, and Facebook to inform citizens of upcoming issues.
2. Give an example of your listening and conflict resolution ability.
As the Chairman of TCSD, I have gained much experience on how to handle contentious meetings. I have the ability to facilitate discussions where there are varying perspectives. There are always at least 2 sides to an issue, and I want to hear all the views before taking a stance or making a decision.
3. How could the Board increase public accountability and transparency?
The Board can increase accountability and transparency by providing more information online. Issues and information needs to be readily available to the public in a timely manner. Instead of holding meetings exclusively in the supervisor chambers, quarterly board meetings should be held at other locations within the various districts in order to encourage public participation.
4. How do you feel about increasing fees and taxes in good times and under the current poor economic conditions?
I do not support increasing fees or taxes during good times and especially not under these current poor economic times. Government needs to tighten their belt just as many families have done during the past few years.
5. In reducing the county budget, which services would you vote to protect, which are not as important and why?
Even though management has claimed that they have “cut to the bone,” I believe that there is still room for cuts by making county services more efficient. I would protect funding for law enforcement and fire departments to ensure the safety of our citizens and their property.
6. What is your understanding of coordination? Do you support or oppose the Board’s involvement in federal and state agency decision-making processes?
Coordination is a strategy to strengthen local control by utilizing existing laws that require larger government agencies to recognize local policies in order to prevent detrimental effects to local communities. I support the board’s efforts to protect our community from state and federal decision making.
7. Do you support the hiring of a natural resources analyst to review environmental documents and agency plans? Why or why not?
At this time, due to the counties budget, I do not support the hiring of a natural resources analyst. I understand that much time is invested in reviewing environmental documents and agency plans, but we must make use of existing staff to get the job done.
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?
Our National Forests provide for multiple uses such as: recreation, agriculture, forestry, tourism, water, cultural resources, mining and energy. Tuolumne County has a rich history of stewardship and I believe that we should move into a prosperous future by wisely utilizing these resources in sustainable ways while also preserving our beautiful setting. I do not specifically oppose any special land designations, but instead believe that each situation should be judged on a case by case basis by local governments to ensure that all considerations are being made.
9. Have you read the proposed Land Use Plan? Please comment on the reason to have or not have such a Plan.
Yes, I have read the proposed Tuolumne County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It is an essential instrument that clarifies local policies to assist in the challenge of creating “balance between local concerns and federal and state environmental laws.”
10. Do you plan to be actively engaged in public lands issues?
I plan to be actively engaged in public land issues. District 3 is surrounded by public land and is vulnerable to the decisions that are made by larger agencies. I would protect the “multiple use” concept of our natural resources. Our citizens must have a voice and a seat at any table that directly affects our public land.
11. What is your philosophy on land use planning and private property rights?
It is important to protect the rights of our property owners. Land use planning is a tool used to organize the relative locations of resources and activities that occur within a community. It is key in addressing infrastructure needs, encouraging harmony between neighbors, and preserving the beautiful environment that we all love.
12. What are your top three priorities as Supervisor?
My top three priorities are:
1. Reduce unemployment by encouraging job growth.
2. Provide stable funding for our fire protection and law enforcement.
3. Develop a long term vision/plan that will enable our county to weather through the next fiscal crisis.
13. What else should I know and consider about your potential to serve as District 3 Supervisor?
As TCSD chairman, I have been instrumental in reducing the operating budget by over $120,000, hiring a new attorney and engineer who both specializes in sanitary issues, and am currently working with Black Oak Casino leadership on resolving funding issues. The goal of these efforts has been to protect the ratepayers and create checks and balances within the district to prevent future problems. If I am elected supervisor, I will continue to find solutions to the problems that plague government on all levels.
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