Four-thoughts for North County voters

With a little more than two weeks to go before Mono County voters head to the polls on June 8, campaigning has hit the home stretch for the candidates. Candidate forums – done; last advertising blasts – set. Safe to say that few races in either Mammoth Lakes or the county have more eyes on them than the one for District 4 Supervisor, which will fill the seat previously occupied by the late Bill Reid.

Reid, who passed away last year, leaves big shoes to fill. He was not only a popular figure, but also a very busy one, dealing with the myriad of issues impacting the county’s largest district in terms of geography. He held seats on numerous committees and was a visible presence not only with several north county Regional Planning Advisory Committees, but also with Paiute tribal officials and stakeholder groups.

We gave the four candidates one last chance to impart any last words while voters decide who will get their vote.

Bobby Tems

I was talking to somebody the other day and they suggested I was too big city, I had an L.A. attitude, that I want to put up roads and streetlights. I am NOT for large development; I am for economic development and sustained jobs and employment but the area up here has a beautiful character and foundation that’s been let go and needs to be built upon. We need to improve and promote what’s already here.

The County needs to be more efficient and more out-front, especially to the younger generation. We lose a good portion of our youth who go off to college and don’t come back because they don’t see anything here. It’s up to the supervisors and the county to show them that things are changing and there are reasons to come back here and make a life. I don’t think government creates jobs, but I think it creates the environment for people to decide to create jobs and develop here.

The permitting process is too complicated and expensive. Mono County has a bad reputation in many peoples’ minds. We need to encourage building and remodeling; all that creates jobs and funding for the County, for the schools.

If you mention Bridgeport, Coleville and Walker to people just 40 miles up the road in northern Nevada, they don’t know where any of those places are. We have no visibility, profile outside of the area. The average age in the north county is 60 or so, and they don’t want anything to change, but how long is that going to last? It’s up to us to create an environment for younger people to build, and I’m talking about real single-family homes on real acreage, not big developments.

I want to break down barriers. It’s vital to the survival of the county. No matter who the District 4 supervisor is, we have to talk to the younger generation and find out what they want as well and find common ground in which the area can be developed without drastically changing its character. I have the background, the education and experience to do all that.

Tim Hansen

During the last several months since I became a candidate for District 4 supervisor many things have taken place. A litigious special interest group has threatened fish stocking, showing no consideration for our county’s economy. Although this seems to have calmed for now, it surely will not go away. Water issues faced by the north county are also a major factor of concern to the agricultural community.

The County administrators have serious budget decisions to make. Any newly elected governor will be forced to make drastic cuts to the state budget. We need to anticipate these problems with tough, sober and smart decisions. I have continually been outspoken about these problems and will continue to be so, not to be negative, but simply because this is not the economy of several years ago. We are living in serious times, not business as usual. If very conservative economic decisions are not made, we will find ourselves in the sad situation faced by the Eastern Sierra Unified School District Board. This time it will be layoffs of County employees. With uncertain property tax revenues and Prop 8 refunds, the County’s reserve fund may soon dwindle.

I believe my 40 years as a County resident has given me the background, experience and respect for this wonderful place to bring these issues forward and make the right decisions.

As a small business owner and working man I know the problems faced by north county residents. Our fragile tourism-based economy needs to be broadened. With rational, responsible development our recreation, agricultural and natural resources can be used and protected. What comfort is it to live in a beautiful place and see our standard of living slowly drop because of an unhealthy economy and rising prices, taxes, fees, permits and living expenses?

Since most of us have had to cut back on many aspects of our lives, it’s only fair our leadership leads by example. Regardless of your choice, please vote. Thank you for your support!

Renn Nolan

I am excited about being a member of the Board of Supervisors. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and expertise to serve the people of Mono County, especially those in District 4.

I wore many hats as your County Clerk, and learned how the County does business. I was good at my job and ran unopposed for more than 30 years! I have what it takes to make the difficult decisions and stand up for what the people in Topaz, Coleville-Walker, Bridgeport and Lee Vining want for their communities.

I can and will represent each of you — I will be fair and listen to your opinions, suggestions and ideas, and find the answers to your questions.

My record speaks for itself … honesty, integrity, knowledge, experience, and a genuine desire to serve and work hard for you. I will always work with diligence to protect this fabulous place of nature and beauty that I proudly call my home.

I know the issues and concerns of District 4. I know the departments, the department heads and how it all works together. I have a great relationship with the present Board, and I can and will reach out to each of them to find answers and solve problems.

Let me show you how hard I will work as your supervisor.

Tim Fesko

I would like to start off by saying the most important thing at this time: THANK YOU for the support that I have already been shown.

It truly has been my pleasure to meet so many wonderful people along the campaign trail. The support that I have received in all of the communities has been fantastic and has shown me that I am effectively getting my thoughts and messages across to a wide range of people.

My goal in running for this office is to help all of our communities and its citizens. I have shown that I am proactive and not reactive, a quality that is much needed in a Supervisor. I started out early in learning the County’s budget, reaching out and listening to the rank and file, learning what are the important topics in each community and so much more.

My experience as a business owner for more than 28 years, my first-hand working knowledge with almost every County department during the past 13 years, my active commitment serving on the local RPAC, my involvement in the Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce, and the founding of the Eastern Sierra ATV Jamboree has provided me the experience, temperament and knowledge required to serve effectively as your Supervisor.

Together we can bring the proper change to our County government and bring back the idea that government is here to “serve the people.”

I will be your “public servant” here to serve the communities and citizens interests. As your Supervisor, I pledge to keep the citizens informed by monthly e-mails and quarterly town hall-style meetings.

I would be honored to serve you and I look forward working together for a better Mono County.