One of the first things folks asked me after we saw the results was what will I do next. I haven’t thought a whole lot about what comes next, but do know that things will fall together. In the meantime, I have a lot of work to do between now and the end of the year when my term as District 3 Supervisor ends.

I appreciate each and every one of you – thank you for your support and kindness. At this point it appears that Evan Royce will be our next District 3 Supervisor. If so, I am confident that he will continue working on many of the projects I began, will represent you well, and I can trust him to look out for your best interests.

Again, thank you all. You’re the best!

Click here to listen to: Bill Jones’ call to 25th Assembly District residents

While we’re no fans of robo calls – especially this year – we made an exception in this case and hope you did too.

Former Secretary of State Bill Jones recorded a call on my behalf last week that we sent out to most areas of the District. He’s a widely respected friend of California, the Central Valley, and the Agricultural community.  I am deeply honored to receive his endorsement and appreciate that he was willing to share his support with all of you.

Thanks, Bill!

Thanks, Andy, and Mono County Supervisor Vikki Bauer for introducing us!

"Some Assembly Required: Tuolumne's Murrison pounds county pavement for 25th District Assembly GOP nomination", pg. 15

I also factored in careful observation. Evan has been singularly focused on learning as much as he can about this job. He’s asked lots of questions and listened to the answers. He’s relatively young, but I think that’s a good thing for a change. How are we going to know what our young adults would like Tuolumne County to become if we don’t plug them in and make them part of things?

That said, is he a Teri-clone? I sure hope not. If elected, he’ll be his own person and you’ll all have a hand in shaping him over time.

Please know that this endorsement in no way, shape, or form makes either Dave Bonnot or Bob Fulcher “bad” candidates. Evan is just a better fit for me all around. I’m sure different folks will come to other conclusions and that’s ok. Decide for yourselves. I hope the answers below are helpful.

One last thing, after posting Fulcher and Bonnot’s answers, I discovered that they had responded to my first draft, not my final version containing the exact questions answered by Royce.  Earlier this afternoon both Fulcher and Bonnot updated their answers so you can compare apples to apples. Here are the responses of all three candidates.

Thanks, guys! You are all three princes!

1. How will you communicate with District residents (blog, newsletters, office hours, etc.)?

• BONNOT: I will keep regular office hours in the various communities in District 3 as well as a column in the Tuolumne Township Citizen’s Group Newsletter. I also have Facebook, a website, email, cell phone, home phone.
• FULCHER:  I will have regular hours in an office in each area of the District. I will hold Town hall meetings as often as possible. They may call me at home or come to my home and talk to me about their concerns. My door will always be open to them. I will also use all of our modern techknowlegy and newsletters to keep them informed.
• ROYCE:  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.

• FULCHER: I believe that I have always been a good listener and have been very good at resolving conflicts and difficult situations. I remain calm and keep my head, this usually calms other people down and they tend to think more rational. I use a more common sence approach.
• ROYCE:  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.
• BONNOT: My best example is Mountain Springs. I started the negotiation process with Bill Barrett that finally resulted in a compromise that got that issue resolved after 7 years of conflict. I was chairman when we first went out there to talk to him, and when he finally decided to work on a compromise, I was instrumental in hammering out the final details.

3. How could the Board increase public accountability and transparency?

• ROYCE:  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.
• BONNOT: As Supervisor, I will always hold myself responsible for my decisions, and I will always explain myself to my constituents using my commitment to constant communication. The Board itself should be even more diligent about the transparency of their operations, including the workings of the staff. Another way to increase transparency would be to have routine business put into the packets two weeks in advance of their appearing on the agenda. That way there would be more time to research and ask constituent advice. There will always be emergency and last minute items, but many things are known about well in advance.
• FULCHER: I believe that the Board should always take full responsibility for the decisions that they make and be sure that they can give reasonable explanations for their votes to the people. They should always remember that they work for the people and not the other way around. They should reach out to the public by holding more outreach meetings with them, so the Board may here their concerns firsthand, and get to know the people better.

4. How do you feel about increasing fees and taxes in good times and under the current poor economic conditions?

• BONNOT: I think you have to listen to your constituents and weigh the services they are demanding with the ability of the people to pay for those services. The danger is in the good times thinking we can do whatever anyone demands. County government has to be very careful, we cannot borrow the way State and Federal governments can, so we must be realistic. We must be creative in looking for other sources of income from now on. It is a new world. Assessment districts may have to be encouraged on a more localized level just to get the roads fixed and the fire districts solvent.
• FULCHER: I am not in favor of raising fees and taxes in either good times or poor economic times. I am not one that thinks raising taxes at any time will increase revenue. I believe that the free enterprise system is the way to create economic growth.
• ROYCE: 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?

• FULCHER: I will always vote to protect any services that provides safety for the people, such as law enforcement, fire, and roads. These are the primary services that Government needs to provide. Parks and Recreation, the Arts are very important and should be funded if at all possible, but safety should always be a priority.
• ROYCE: 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.
• BONNOT: We ARE the line of defense for the people in fighting fire and crime, so those would have to be highest, although savings could probably be had within their budgets. Services that affect children would be next in my priorities, they are the future. Libraries, recreation and the arts are essential to our functioning as healthy human beings. They must be high on the list.

6. What is your understanding of coordination? Do you support or oppose the Board’s involvement in federal and state agency decision-making processes?

• ROYCE: 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.
• BONNOT: Coordination is clear and transparent communication between agencies. That clarity is extremely important. The Board is already involved in federal and state agency decision-making processes. The issue is making that more effective. I will provide the leadership necessary to insure that we have that place at the table when state and federal agencies are making decisions that impact our economy and quality of life.
• FULCHER: Coordination is a means allowing local government to sit down with federal or state agentcies on an equal footing to discuss the use of public lands. Of course, I support and will encourage the Boards involvement in decision-making pertaining to our lands. Coordination is the only way at this time for the County to protect their rights against state and federal agencies. We need to adopt a plan as soon as possible, so we will have an equal voice at the table with the Feds. or the State. I will actively support a plan.

7. Do you support the hiring of a natural resources analyst to review environmental documents and agency plans? Why or why not?

• BONNOT: It seems to me that we already have this function to some degree in our Community Development Department. We need leadership to make sure we use what we already have in more and better ways rather than hire someone else to add to the government. We need to make what we already have more timely and effective.
• FULCHER: No, at this time when we are trying to maintain a balanced budget we should not be hiring anyone.
• ROYCE: 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?

• FULCHER: Non by the Federal Government. I believe the forest in our own back yard belongs to the people and local government should have the say on its usage. National Forest lands should be for the enjoyment of the people for things such as camping, horse back riding, hiking,etc., it should not be used for activities that would damage the forest or terrain.
• ROYCE: 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.
• BONNOT: The folks here are directly affected by these decisions and designations, and should have a say when our economy and quality of life are impacted. The multiple uses that have the most impact on us are recreation and grazing and in both cases, there has to be a balance in the protection of the watershed and wildlife, and the recreation and grazing that provide so much of the economy in Tuolumne County. I will make sure that we provide an equilibrium between what is called the “Triple bottom line” – The Environment, Community and the Economy. The Board of Supervisor’s responsibility is to make sure we are always working toward that balance. We should make sure (whenever possible) that the federal government is doing the same.

9. Have you read the proposed Land Use Plan? Please comment on the reason to have or not have such a Plan.

• ROYCE: 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.”
• BONNOT: I have read it and attended the Planning commission meetings and the BOS meeting about this. I do not understand why we want to create another government body to do the work of the Board of Supervisors. The Board already provides this function. My job would be to make sure the concerns of any group that wants to address these agencies gets heard. If that requires another commission due to time restraints put on the Board, then that is another matter. If we want less government, why create another layer here. Once again, we should make what we already have work more efficiently.
• FULCHER: I have not read it completely, but I know how much work you have put into it and how much flak you have taken. I appreciate all that you have done and will do all in my power to see it through. We do need such a plan so we can use our lands in the best way possible without damaging our lands and still putting our lands to good use.

10. Do you plan to be actively engaged in public lands issues?

• BONNOT: Yes
• FULCHER: Yes, I am and will always be a big property rights advocate, so I will be very active in public lands issues.
• ROYCE: 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?

• FULCHER: We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. We only have approximately 22% of the land to develop. I would like to see it developed intelligently. I would like to see more people living here and less development in the valley, the valley can feed the entire nation whereas these foothills are a great place to live. I am and will always be a strong advocate for property rights. Our Founding Fathers reallized that owning property by individuals is a fundemental right .and is what gives us our individual freedoms.
• ROYCE: 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.
• BONNOT: Property rights and responsibilities are shared by neighbors. If one party wants to do something with their property that affects another person’s property, there is a very important decision to be made and it can’t be decided by listening to only one side of the issue. Land use planning is one of the most important things Supervisors have to grapple with. We need growth that is thoughtful and planned. We can’t continue destroying ag land and further spreading out law enforcement and fire resources at the expense of current residents. The State is requiring a new blueprint process for land use planning and we need to make sure that it is implemented effectively for Tuolumne County.

12. What are your top three priorities as Supervisor?

• ROYCE: My top three priorities are:
  • Reduce unemployment by encouraging job growth.
  • Provide stable funding for our fire protection and law enforcement.
  • Develop a long term vision/plan that will enable our county to weather through the next fiscal crisis.
• BONNOT:
  • Better jobs. Increase jobs through increased tourism, increased entrepreneurial training and mentoring, enticing high-tech and green industry and vocational training to increase the workforce.
  • Better planning. I want to do what I feel has been lacking for the 30 years that I’ve lived here, plan with an eye to where it makes sense for us to grow. Many times, growth is dictated by someone who can get some cheap ag land and try to develop it with the county picking up most of the tab for that development. We can’t afford that type of growth anymore. We don’t have the resources to give away infrastructure anymore.
  • Better leadership. I want to create a feeling that government can work for the little guy, not just for the developers or the bankers or government itself. We have a horrible situation in State and Federal government, no one trusts them to care about the folks on the street trying to make a living. I want to create a very open and transparent atmosphere that quickly gains the trust of my constituents.
• FULCHER: My first priority is to listen to the people and do my best to govern in their behalf. Second, we need to work to improve the economy by helping our existing businesses and encouraging new businesses to locate here. Third, as I have already stated we need to ensure the safety of our citizens.

13. What else should I know and consider about your potential to serve as District 3 Supervisor?

• BONNOT: I have experience in so many different areas — in both leadership and in getting down to the basics of a particular job. I have been to war, I have started and maintained several businesses in my life, for others and for myself. I have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start their own businesses here in Tuolumne County. I have raised two children, both now adults and successful and happy in life. I have experience in County government, having spent years going to board meetings, commission meetings, working on land use issues from the other side of the dais. I care deeply about the county I chose as my home 30 years ago, I want to help make it as appealing in the future as it has been in the past.
• FULCHER: Teri, we have known each other now for over four years, you already know how much I love this District and the County. You have seen me in positions of leadership. You know of my business experience and of all the many community events that I have volunteered for. I don’t think I need to tell you anymore about myself, I am sure that you already know that I have the experience, qualifications, and wisdom to be the next District 3 Supervisor. Thank you for these questions and I would appreciate your endorsement and even more your vote. Thanks again, Bob Fulcher.
• ROYCE: 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.

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.

Dave Bonnot’s answers to Teri Murrison’s Candidate’s Endorsement Question

1. How will you communicate with District residents?

I will keep regular office hours in the various communities in District 3. I also have Facebook, a website, email, cell phone, home phone.

2. Give an example of your listening and conflict resolution ability.

My best example is Mountain Springs. I started the negotiation process with Bill Barrett that finally resulted in a compromise that got that issue resolved after 7 years of conflict. I was chairman when we first went out there to talk to him, and when he finally decided to work on a compromise, I was instrumental in hammering out the final details.

3. How should the Board increase accountability and transparency?

As Supervisor, I will always hold myself responsible for my decisions, and I will always explain myself to my constituents using my commitment to constant communication. The Board itself should be even more diligent about the transparency of their operations, including the workings of the staff. Another way to increase transparency would be to have routine business put into the packets two weeks in advance of their appearing on the agenda. That way there would be more time to research and ask constituent advice. There will always be emergency and last minute items, but many things are known about well in advance.

4. How do you feel about increasing fees and taxes in good times and under the current poor economic conditions?

I think you have to listen to your constituents and weigh the services they are demanding with the ability of the people to pay for those services. The danger is in the good times thinking we can do whatever anyone demands. County government has to be very careful, we cannot borrow the way State and Federal governments can, so we must be realistic. We must be creative in looking for other sources of income from now on. It is a new world. Assessment districts may have to be encouraged on a more localized level just to get the roads fixed and the fire districts solvent.

5. In reducing the county budget, which services will you vote to protect, which are not as important to you, and why?

We ARE the line of defense for the people in fighting fire and crime, so those would have to be highest, although savings could probably be had within their budgets. Services that affect children would be next in my priorities, they are the future. Libraries, recreation and the arts are essential to our functioning as healthy human beings. They must be high on the list.

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 clear and transparent communication between agencies. That clarity is extremely important. The Board is already involved in federal and state agency decision-making processes. The issue is making that more effective. I will provide the leadership necessary to insure that we have that place at the table when state and federal agencies are making decisions that impact our economy and quality of life.

7. Do you support the hiring of a natural resources analyst to review environmental documents and agency plans? Why or why not?

It seems to me that we already have this function to some degree in our Community Development Department. We need leadership to make sure we use what we already have in more and better ways rather than hire someone else to add to the government. We need to make what we already have more timely and effective.

8. Which, if any, multiple uses and land designations of National Forest do you feel should be limited?

The folks here are directly affected by these uses, and should have a say when our economy and quality of life are impacted. The multiple uses that have the most impact on us are recreation and grazing and in both cases, there has to be a balance in the protection of the watershed and wildlife, and the recreation and grazing that provide so much of the economy in Tuolumne County. I will make sure that we provide an equilibrium between what is called the “Triple bottom line” – The Environment, Community and the Economy. The Board of Supervisor’s responsibility is to make sure we are always working toward that balance. We should make sure the federal government is doing the same.

9. Have you read the proposed Land Use Plan? Do you and will you support it was originally proposed to the Board earlier this year (80 plus pages) or do you feel it should be shortened? Why or why not?

I have read it and attended the Planning commission meetings and the BOS meeting about this. I do not understand why we want to create another government body to do the work of the Board of Supervisors. The Board already has this function. My job would be to make sure the concerns of any group that wants to address these agencies gets heard. If that requires another commission due to time restraints put on the Board, then that is another matter, but if we want less government, why create another layer here. Once again, we should make what we already have work more efficiently.

10. Do you plan to be actively engaged in public lands issues?

Yes

11. What is your philosophy on land use planning?

Property rights and responsibilities are shared by neighbors. If what one party wants to do with their property affects another person’s property, there is a very important decision to be made and it can’t be decided by listening to only one side of the issue. Land use planning is one of the most important things Supervisors have to grapple with. We need growth but it must be thoughtful and planned. We can’t approve every lot split, destroying ag land and further distributing law enforcement and fire resources at the expense of current residents. The State is requiring a new blueprint process for land use planning and we need to make sure that it is implemented effectively for Tuolumne County.

12. What are your top three priorities as Supervisor?

1. Better jobs. Increase jobs through increased tourism, increased entrepreneurial training and mentoring, enticing high-tech and green industry and vocational training to increase the workforce.
2. Better planning. I want to do what I feel has been lacking for the 30 years that I’ve lived here, plan with an eye to where it makes sense for us to grow. Many times, growth is dictated by someone who can get some cheap ag land and try to develop it with the county picking up most of the tab for that development. We can’t afford that type of growth anymore. We don’t have the resources to give away infrastructure anymore.
3.  Better leadership. I want to create a feeling that government can work for the little guy, not just for the developers or the bankers or government itself. We have a horrible situation in State and Federal government, no one trusts them to care about the folks on the street trying to make a living. I want to create a very open and transparent atmosphere that quickly gains the trust of my constituents.

13. What else should I know and consider about your potential to serve as District 3 Supervisor?

I have experience in so many different areas — in both leadership and in getting down to the basics of a particular job. I have been to war, I have started and maintained several businesses in my life, for others and for myself. I have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start their own businesses here in Tuolumne County. I have raised two children, both now adults and successful and happy in life. I have experience in County government, having spent years going to board meetings, commission meetings, working on land use issues from the other side of the dais. I care deeply about the county I chose as my home 30 years ago, I want to help make it as appealing in the future as it has been in the past.

I’ll post my conclusion and comments on Weds.

Teri

D-3 Candidate’s Endorsement Questions

1. How will you communicate with District residents?

I will have regular hours in an office in each area of the District. I will hold Town hall meetings as often as possible. They may call me at home or come to my home and talk to me about their concerns. My door will always be open to them.

2. Give an example of your listening and conflict resolution ability.

I believe that I have always been a good listener and have been very good at resolving conflicts and difficult situations. I remain calm and keep my head, this usually calms other people down and they tend to think more rational. I use a more common sence approach.

3. How should the Board increase accountability and transparency?

I believe that the Board should always take full responsibility for the decisions that they make and be sure that they can give reasonable explanations for their votes to the people. They should always remember that they work for the people and not the other way around.

4. How many hours a week will you work as a Board member (don’t say “as much as it takes!”)?

I will be a full time Supervisor. Since I have been self-employed my entire adult life and am used to putting in 12-16 hours a day, I see no reason that I can’t devote as much time to serve my Community. A 40 to 60 hour week would not be uncommon.

5. How do you feel about increasing fees and taxes in good times and under the current poor economic conditions?

I am not in favor of raising fees and taxes in either good times or poor economic times. I am not one that thinks raising taxes at any time will increase revenue. I believe that the free enterprise system is the way to create economic growth.

6. In reducing the county budget, which services will you vote to protect, which are not as important to you, and why?

I will always vote to protect any services that provides safety for the people, such as law enforcement, fire, and roads. These are the primary services that Government needs to provide. Parks and Recreation, the Arts are very important and should be funded if at all possible, but safety should always be a priority.

7. What is your understanding of coordination and will you vote to be actively involved with federal and state agencies’ planning and management efforts?

Coordination is the only way at this time for the County to protect their rights against state and federal agencies. We need to adopt a plan as soon as possible, so we will have an equal voice at the table with the Feds. or the State. I will actively support a plan.

8. Do you support the hiring of a natural resources analyst to review environmental documents and agency plans? Why or why not?

No, at this time when we are trying to maintain a balanced budget we should not be hiring anyone.

9. Which, if any, multiple uses and land designations of National Forest do you feel should be limited?

Non by the Federal Government. I believe the forest in our own back yard belongs to the people and local government should have the say on its usage.

10. Have you read the proposed Land Use Plan? Do you and will you support it was originally proposed to the Board earlier this year (80 plus pages) or do you feel it should be shortened? Why or why not?

I have not read it completely, but I know how much. work you have put into it and how much flak you have taken. I appreciate all that you have done and will do all in my power to see it through.

11. Do you plan to be actively engaged in public lands issues?

Yes, I am and will always be a big property rights advocate, so I will be very active in public lands issues.

12. What is your philosophy on land use planning?

We live in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. We only have approximately 22% of the land to develop. I would like to see it developed intelligently. I would like to see more people living here and less development in the valley, the valley can feed the entire nation whereas these foothills are a great place to live.

13. What are your top three priorities as Supervisor?

My first priority is to listen to the people and do my best to govern in their behalf. Second, we need to work to improve the economy by helping our existing businesses and encouraging new businesses to locate here. Third, as I have already stated we need to ensure the safety of our citizens.

14. What else should I know and consider about your potential to serve as District 3 Supervisor?

Teri, we have known each other now for over four years, you already know how much I love this District and the County. You have seen me in positions of leadership. You know of my business experience and of all the many community events that I have volunteered for. I don’t think I need to tell you anymore about myself, I am sure that you already know that I have the experience, qualifications, and wisdom to be the next District 3 Supervisor. Thank you for these questions and I would appreciate your endorsement and even more your vote.

Thanks again, Bob Fulcher

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?

Many of you have been asking about signs. Got ‘em, but they’re going FAST!

We’re very pleased with the design by Christina Wilkinson at www.SabreDesign.com and the customer service and product of Sharleen Schuiling de Balda with Connexion Graphics/Kirk Briggs Signs in Oakdale. Thank you!

Please go  to www.TeriMurrison.com and click on the blue sign in the right margin to find out where you can get yours!

Contact: Bill Johnson, Communications Director                                                        Date: May 19, 2010
(209) 768-7736

25^th District Assembly candidate Teri Murrison is applauding a Tuesday decision handed down by a federal judge in the continuing conflict between water users (ranchers, farmers and urban water agencies) and environmentalists and segments of the fishing industry.

“For the last three years I have been pushing the US Forest Service and other federal agencies to follow the law and do more than a “drive by” evaluation of potential impacts on rural communities and people, but to no avail,” said Murrison, currently a Tuolumne County Supervisor. “Their refusal to do what is legally required has resulted in huge economic and social costs to our communities. Judge Wanger’s ruling tells me that I have been right all along. I’m looking forward to a new relationship with the federal agencies and I will hold their feet to the fire to ensure that our communities are heard loud and clear.”

“It’s a great decision for rural California and the people who live here. Judge Wanger was very clear in his ruling. No more ignoring the needs of people, local communities, and economies.”

U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger’s decision states that federal agencies MUST consider the local economic impact caused by water restrictions, along with impacts on fish (salmon and smelt) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

According to John Ellis’ article in the Fresno Bee, “Judge Wanger’s decision also found that urban and agricultural water users made convincing arguments that the federal government’s science didn’t prove that increased pumping from the Delta imperiled salmon.”  The judge added that the federal government’s management plan that restricted water exports to protect fish was the “product of guesstimations.”

The economic health of communities in the Central Valley has been severely impacted as farmers in the San Joaquin Valley have taken land out of production due to pumping restrictions and California’s three year drought. As a result of the ruling, the economic impacts must be considered and farmers may be entitled to have greater access to water.

The ruling also applies to federal agency decision-making processes subject to the National Environmental Protection Act, (NEPA). Under NEPA, agencies must also evaluate proposed actions’ impacts on local communities and residents.

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