1. How should the homeless crisis be addressed? Should Del Norte County buy more motels to convert to homeless shelters? I believe that the homeless need to have a comprehensive program: housing paired with mental health assistance/medication, if needed, and a sober program for any substance abuse issues.2. What can be done to improve morale within the Sheriff’s department? How can the Sheriff’s department more effectively recruit, hire and retain experienced deputies?#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');In part this will be much improved with the return to normalcy with an established professional like Garrett Scott. I also feel that there should be an audit for current procedures, the recent incident with the prison cell highlighted a lack of consistency. We need to recruit at each academy to emphasize the area that we live in and our ability to offer an excellent work-life balance. Also it would be helpful if we were able to have contracts that new hires are required to sign for a designated number of years of service, with repercussions if they left prior to contract end (i.e. if a signing bonus was offered they could potentially lose/repay that bonus if they left sooner). 3. What can be done to avoid the “catch and release” back into the community of criminal defendants before their matters are resolved by the courts? Should the 48-bed Juvenile Hall – with only one or two persons in custody – be repurposed as an adult facility?There should be a cumulative record of offenses so that it can be tallied up to the $950 felony limit, so that there are effects to habitual offenders. I think the Juvenile Hall option should be explored, also the level 1 section of Pelican Bay. 4. What is the most pressing problem in your supervisorial district? What do you propose as a solution?Roads and housing are the most pressing problems in District 4. I would like to establish a hotline or app to capture the public’s concerns and respond. I was told by a current Board of Supervisors that there is set-aside funding that can go for pothole repairs or repairs to private roads, but no one has requested this solution. Regarding housing, the crisis that we are in was not created in a very short term and the solution will also take some time. We need to streamline our entitlement process for prospective builders and developers, and make sure that our staff has a vision of saying yes rather than roadblocks for progress. Perhaps a pairing of public and private resources will aid in the development of housing.5. How can Del Norte County become a place where young people want to remain, to raise a family, to start a career, and become a vital part of this community? What will you do to bring about these changes?I have mentioned my goals for increased housing, the availability of homes/apartments will help alleviate “where” our young people can live. Also, I would like to increase our economic health. One suggestion I have is to establish a vocational school (trade school). This school could be established in as little as two years with the assistance of trade unions that are eager for young apprentices.6. Should Del Norte County impose additional controls and fees on short-term rentals? Should short-term rentals be confined to commercial or multi-family zones, or to owner-occupied properties? No, Del Norte County should not establish any additional controls or fees for short-term rentals – we already pay enough fees and taxes. These short-term vacation rentals are a boon to our local economy via the 10 percent TOT. I do not agree with any increase in rules or requirements for short-term rentals.7. Should Del Norte County turn down state and federal grants with strings attached that dictate how local government must solve local problems? Under what circumstances should Del Norte County confront problems without outside funding?We need to scrutinize what the “strings” are that might be a requirement. We have enough governmental controls and should not adopt more. The outside funding that doesn’t address our issues and requires exorbitant controls would be unacceptable.8. Should the Measure R sales tax increase be repealed? Why or why not?No, the voters voted this measure in and it is providing a much needed influx of funding that we would not be able to generate otherwise. Also with the funding that has been promised, employees have been hired, equipment purchased, etc. If this measure was repealed, how would we be able to pay the new employees or replace outdated infrastructure? 9. Briefly explain, Why are you the best candidate for a seat on the Board of Supervisors representing your district?I have a unique skill set that would greatly benefit Del Norte County, being local but also having earned an education and experience working for Fortune 500 companies. Working for these large companies provided additional training, negotiations for multi million contracts, working with teams to solve issues, as well as extensive travel domestically. I was able to see how other communities solved housing shortages for first responders in San Francisco/Silicon Valley. I am a local realtor (David Finigan Real Estate) with knowledge of the dynamics of our local housing market. I have a methodical process that I utilize, researching a subject or issue and questioning the status quo. I would ask “why” something was established and what the process was to reach a decision. My goal is to increase our local economy and alleviate the housing shortage. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });