1. How should the homeless crisis be addressed? Should Del Norte County buy more motels to convert to homeless shelters? We need to identify those who are struggling with mental illness and substance abuse, and provide programs for those who need a hand up, as well as work with new state legislation to address this community priority. No, I do not believe our County should purchase additional motel.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('');Garrett Scott will be our new Sheriff. The Board of Supervisors must provide him with the support he needs to rebuild the Sheriff’s Department, its workforce, the jail, dispatch and deputies that protect this community. Effective leadership and Measure R funding will be key to solving these issues. 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?In 2014, AB109, Prop 47 and Prop 57 resulted in early release of criminals and affected our ability to prosecute offenders. Our peace officers need the tools and legislation to do their jobs so our district attorney can prosecute. Until our jail can be rebuilt, every option, including juvenile hall, should be considered. 4. What is the most pressing problem in your supervisorial district? What do you propose as a solution?High fire danger and fuel loads on our public and private lands, and high insurance premiums are a continuing threat to District 3. Thankfully, we’ve secured millions of dollars to address fuel reductions, and I’m working hard to have our voices heard in Sacramento regarding insurance premiums.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?Close to 80 percent of our high school graduates currently stay in Del Norte. However, graduates often lack the skills to join the workforce. Investment in more career technical education, economic development and the creation of living wage jobs in Del Norte County is top priority.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? Del Norte imposes fees on short-term rentals, by law, called transient occupancy tax (TOT) which generates revenue for the county and is enforced by the Tax Collector. We have private property rights, so if a homeowner has a good property for a VRBO, the property owner should be allowed that option.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?All grants have strings attached, whether they are State or Federal. Del Norte County does not often have the option of turning down funds that support areas of vital need. However, the Board of Supervisors chooses which grants to apply for based on criteria that fits the County’s goals and needs.8. Should the Measure R sales tax increase be repealed? Why or why not?No. Measure R tackled some of the toughest issues facing the County’s constrained budget, blight, public safety, animal control, response to natural disaster and roads. The one thing I heard clearly from constituents was to find a way to fund budget shortfalls for these important County services. 9. Briefly explain, Why are you the best candidate for a seat on the Board of Supervisors representing your district?I believe my commitment, understanding and relationships on local, state and federal issues will bring decisive leadership to our Board. I’ve served our community in multiple capacities for 25 years and I’ll continue to find solutions, build consensus and represent District 3 and our entire County. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });