New District 1 supervisor ready to serve
Michael Sanchez has been officially sworn in as the supervisor for Plumas County District 1 and took a moment to speak about his plans.
Sanchez said, “I am honored to have been elected to serve as your supervisor for District 1, and am privileged to assume this position humbly knowing that a significant number of voters had wished otherwise, considering the steep competition for this job.
“That being said, I want to assure you that your confidence in my abilities will be realized in short order. The campaign rhetoric is over; it is now time to roll up our sleeves and get the job done,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez moved to Portola in the early 1960s, and said that his first glimpse of the beautiful Sierra Valley and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, “the gateway to our beautiful county,” was infectious. “I knew at this point in time that I was home,” Sanchez said.
“I appreciate our unique way of life and the generations of Plumas County residents that have devoted their livelihood to this community,” he continued.
“My wife Char and I are both graduates of Portola High School Class of 1972, and we returned home to the pearl of the Sierra Nevadas following a career in the United States Navy and a subsequent career as a health care administrator.”
When considering the question of “what comes next,” Sanchez said, “As your supervisor, I will continue to support the pillars of our community, which includes the deliverance of optimal healthcare, quality education for our youth, continued dedicated fire protection and security as provided by our local law enforcement officers and first line responders.
“In conjunction with this, we as a community must support our local businesses while attracting new businesses through economic development initiatives,” he added.
One of the major points Sanchez addressed was the overgrowth in the forest.
“Addressing the overgrowth is needed to preserve our water resources and minimize tree mortality, and the inevitable infestation of the bark beetle.
“Accessibility to water is now the critical talking point of all counties in California. The State is now mandating water sustainability measures. Without full compliance, we can not attempt to shepherd how the water will flow downstream from our own backyard.”
Sanchez also spoke about local technology, saying, “Improving our Internet capabilities to stay in touch with mainstream America is crucial and paramount to properly branding and marketing our tourism, attracting businesses and to make Plumas County the preferred place to vacation or call home.”
Sanchez put out a call to the community, stating, “Your supervisors, elected officials, and department heads cannot achieve prosperity for our county without your support.”
Sanchez is looking ahead at his new position, and anticipates that his duties will consume his priorities, but Sanchez also plans to continue to support the community through his involvement with the Portola Rotary Club, the PHS Alumni Association, as well as “stimulating and guiding students as a part-time substitute teacher.”
In closing, Sanchez remarked, “Together as citizens, let’s collectively and proactively engage in all aspects of our community. This will be a win-win for everyone. Happy New Year to you all.”
Congrats mike Sanchez. I had the privilege of working with him for a year. He is a great man and truly cares about this county. Glad he won!!