Issues

I will be a knowledgeable and effective proponent of the Ralph M. Brown Act, which requires local governing entities to openly conduct business in a manner that allows public access and feedback.  I will work towards local government embracing the spirit of the law by partnering with fellow board members to adopt board principles and a code of conduct that every board member and citizen can support. I will maximize public engagement by promoting board policies that assure the board is 1) respectful and responsive to public communications and comment and 2) transparent in deliberations regarding actions  that impact Plumas County residents.

I will make sure the county does a better job of reflecting real community priorities in the budget process.  We need to have public budget hearings with open and welcome participation of department leaders and staff, as well as the public, and in keeping with statutory requirements.

I will pursue competitive compensation and benefits packages for all county employees to recruit and retain stable and qualified county workforce that will in turn support a strong and stable county organization and contribute to the local economy.  Along the same lines, I will work hard to fill vacancies on our county boards and commissions with qualified and engaged community members who can play a key role in bringing constituent voices into the policy making process.

I will use my expertise to make sure the needs of our community are met, and funding intended to improve our communities does not go unspent, or worse yet, returned, because of our bureaucratic inertia.  At the root of the housing crisis are lack of adequate housing supply, too few opportunities for adequate incomes, and barriers to accessing integrated care across the mental health, substance use disorder and health care services.  I will assure adequate oversight, diversifying revenues and assuring funds are being spent appropriately where they will have a maximum impact. Furthermore, I will work to align efforts and resources with key partners to reduce duplication of services and more effectively help our community.

Saying public safety is important is one thing.  Taking action is another.  I will work actively towards fully funding and staffing our Sheriff’s Office, with the goal of attracting and keeping the best and the brightest in the profession to serve Plumas County. As Supervisor, I will work with the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney to make sure they have the staffing and the tools needed to protect the public and ensure our safety, as well as their own. Read More

I will work across all sectors to promote early learning, higher education, and vocational and lifelong studies, so local individuals, families and children can gain skills and training for jobs that can support themselves and their families.   Plumas County can do better to support and partner with small businesses, local and regional employers, education and more to strengthen the vitality of our local economy. I know small businesses are the heart of our local economy, and I will work with to assure county policies and programs support an atmosphere where small businesses are empowered to succeed. 
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Plumas County supervisors must proactively support investments in projects that will have a lasting impact on our aging infrastructure, ensuring 4th District residents have reliable water, roads, and connectivity.  As a county, we should be working with regional and state partners to expand reliable broadband and cellular access for residents and small businesses, and ensure that it is available during emergencies. We also have an opportunity to work with CalTrans, CHP, schools and transit to expand safe routes to schools, pedestrian access, and sustainable transit options.

I will work hard to ensure the county has a coordinated approach to disaster response and partner with public and private agencies to ensure residents have the resources, leadership and ongoing communication they need when disaster strikes. I will streamline government processes and assure transparency so that those who experience losses can recover and rebuild as soon as possible.