What are the issues District 2 voters care about?
In their bios published in this paper a few weeks ago, the candidates running for supervisor for District 2 what they felt were the priority issues that prompted them to run for office.
But what are the issues voters in District 2 are concerned about? District 2 is the area that includes Indian Valley, the Canyon, portions of Quincy and the Highway 70 corridor to Cromberg.
We surveyed residents from across the political and economic spectrum in the district. Here are some of the perspectives. Most wished to not have their names attached to their comments.
The responses ran the gamut, but a few issues came up over and over again among the 20 or so people that responded.
Whoever the next supervisor is, that man will have to deal with an electorate with these concerns: fire, internet, and housing — the issues that came to the top of most voters concerns pertaining to living in Plumas County.
Residents are concerned about fire, and impending fire insurance cancelations that are already being seen in some parts of the county. They are also concerned about fire suppression.
Another local concern is lagging internet quality in parts of the district, which impedes everything from business and educational opportunities to basic communication.
Frontier Communications will be in bankruptcy in March and those trying to sign up for internet service in most of District 2 are being told there aren’t any more slots available and that Frontier is not taking new customers. “Will there be a plan to develop fiber optic cable into each of the rural communities as a way of promoting business growth in the county?”
A close third, constituents were concerned about the planning department and housing issues. Could the next board streamline the building permit process and work to lower the cost of building a primary house for young families? Could more affordable housing be built so that residents won’t have to leave the area because they can’t find housing?
Budgeting trailed close behind as an issue. Some are calling for better management while recognizing limited resources.
Some want to see better code enforcement and complained of wrecked and abandoned cars on residential streets in Greenville along with multiple yards filled with trash and other hazards, (driving down property values, according to some). Will a new supervisor ensure that code enforcement is applied equally? Business owners felt this was a major issue for potential investors. Said one business owner, “The county receives $1 per vehicle registration and $2 per every commercial vehicle registration annually to take care of this problem. Yet for almost five years they have let the funds sit.”
Voters were also concerned with dwindling population and a perceived lack of initiative of the board to advertise what Plumas County already does best — being beautiful.
“To stay alive [businesses] have to keep their name out there. Plumas County has to advertise itself to attract people that initially will vacation here, and eventually relocate here. For this to happen we must offer the best infrastructure possible.”
Following along similar lines of thought, voters are hoping to see equity amongst those paying TOT (bed tax) for hotels and motels and those renting out rooms Airbnb-style, which currently have no TOT taxes collected. They also hope to see TOT taxes going to fund tourism rather than the general fund.
The following issues were brought up only by one segment of the voting population or one organization.
Private property rights, water rights and land use rights remain strong concerns for area ranchers, as well as management of wildlife predator species.
Dealing with the addiction crisis was important to some constituents and organizations. Classes that focus on sobriety and facilities for recovery rather than incarceration came up, too. More safes spaces in District 2 for those fleeing domestic violence is also an issue.
Indian Valley Indivisibles felt that recognizing climate change and getting “dark money” out of politics — though national issues — filter down to the local level as well.
If there was one unifying factor of those surveyed it was that the board of supervisors promote local industry, and “be supportive of the many projects individuals, groups and businesses undertake to improve our lives.” One thing that some voters noted was a misconception that the current board of supervisors is hard to get a hold of. Most agreed current Supervisor Kevin Goss has made himself readily available to constituents.
