THE VOTERS UNION posted February 26, 2010
An Open Letter to
the Candidates Running for Fifth District Supervisor:
from former Fifth District Supervisor Norman de Vall. February, 2010
For nearly forty years the Voters of the Fifth District have either
elected or supported a candidate who will endorse, support and work for
a progressive agenda.
Your signature below will be considered contractural and that your
endorsement of these platform planks will be considered a commitment.
We Voters know that these objectives cannot be guarenteed to be
accomplished but we will support the candidate who indicates the
strongest conviction and ability to conisistently work to achieve
them.
PROTECT OUR COAST
Continue official county opposition to
Minerals Management Services 5-Year Plan to lease drilling tracts off
our Coast; oppose the Navy's plan for war games off the US
West Coast; oppose the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's granting
of permits for ocean borne electrical generator arrays; support the
California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative's to designate marine
protected areas within the 3-mile limit of the North Coast Study Area
to re-build our fishery stocks and marine biota.
RESTRUCTURE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
We urge the restructuring of
county government with the objective of bringing the governed closer to
their elected officials and county employees. We favor a Chief
Administative Officer rather than a Chief Executive form of
Administration.
The county debt and the retiree pension system can potentially bankrupt
the County. We support a third party audit to assess both systems
and report to the Board and Public. Two Board members should be
appointed to the Retirement Board. Employees should
not work in fear. Employee morale must be improved.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Settle the California Legal Services lawsuit
to force the county to provide affordable housing according to state
law. Lands so zoned must be suitable for residential use and compatible
with surrounding uses.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE LIMITS
Support a campaign finance ordinance in county
elections and agree not to accept campaign contriubutions of more than
$50 from any source from outside the County.
ADOPT THE ENERGY TASK FORCE REPORT
Pursue adoption of the entire 2007
Energy Task Force Report as a Energy Element of the County General Plan
adding an Element to address Recycling with the objective of Zero
Waste. Form a citizen commission to implement the plan over time.
AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN
Recognize the fact that numerous property
owners have developed beyond permitted densities on their lands and
pursue adoption of an Element which would allow consideration for
acceptance. Complete the Mendocino Town Plan with an ad hoc Voter
elected Citizens Advisory Committee. Ardently support the Local
Coastal Plan to protect the Coast from overdevelopment.
FOREST PRACTICE RULES
Advocate for the appointment of a citizens
commission to write special forest practice rules for Mendocino County
that will provide for the quickest possible return to sustainable
forest productivity. Support applications for grants to restock and
cultivate overharvested timberlands.
BRING BACK GRADING ORDINANCE
Reinstate the grading ordinance
process to develop rules that govern conversion of ag land to other
uses, loss of riparian habitat, creation of hillside erosion,
development of agricultural ponds in compliance with CEQA.
END THE POT WARS Initiate and advocate for licensing for the production
of Medical and non-medical marijuana. Support the Medical
Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance chapter 9.31 to encourage civil vs.
criminal enforcement. Create zoning ordinances to control where
marijuana is grown. Establish a citizen committee to
investigate and report to law enforcement and the public on grow
situations that disturb public order and create danger or nuisance
anywhere in the county. Support a county initiative measure to
tax marijuana cultivation.
THINK GLOBALLY
Encourage citizens to bring resolutions to
the board on all topics great and small including impeachment of
criminal presidents, ending wars, reverse global warming, etc.
The Precautionary Principle is a token farce at this time. It must be
rescued from being a pilot project to being the overall guiding policy
of county government from top to bottom.
WATER CONSERVATION FIRST
There is not sufficient water to promote new
growth. We must learn to live with it and conserve wherever, whenever
possible. Oppose any overdrafting from any water resource
in the County.
LIMIT ALCOHOL LICENSES 80% of the criminal case load in our Courts are
related to alcohol and drugs. Advocate that no more than the
state limit for on and off-sale sites be licensed.
Your signature below will be accepted as your contractural agreement to
advocate for, pursue, introduce and make public your representation of
the Voters of the Fifth District.
_/s/___________________________________ Date:
_________________2010
____________________________________
Please Print Your Name Above
If you can support these goals and objectives please sign, date
and return to: The Friends of the Fifth District, P.O. Box 87,
Elk 95432
3/3