The opportunity to represent District 3 is an honor. Today the board and our community can celebrate our successes thus far. Among these are lasting achievements such as the preservation of Mt. Konocti, a revision of the twenty-year General Plan of Development and the Shoreline Area Plan, certification of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the County, an analysis of the future water and wastewater infrastructure requirements, over 3 Megawatts of Solar Energy projects (among the largest in the Western U.S.), and the initial economic revitalization of communities on the Northshore even in the face of tough economic times.

There is so much more to do. Together we must continue the work of creating a healthy local economy, focus on job creation, encourage local food security and energy efficiency, improve the health of Clear Lake via Middle Creek wetlands restoration and watershed management, upgrade our community spaces and senior centers, and further even greater citizen involvement through easier access to information and regular town-hall collaboration.

Even with the economic challenges, I see huge opportunity and promise in the times ahead as we find new and creative ways to fund needed infrastructure. Anyone paying attention knows that we have much work to do to restore and renew our County, its communities and economy for the generations that follow us. This is not an easy task. Each of us who are able must put ourselves whole-heartedly into this work.

The good news is that much of what ails our system can be substantially impacted by our own individual decisions and direct local action: how we engage with the land, the water, the community of life around us and each other, what we buy, what we use, how we handle waste – all of these collectively can make a difference. Mostly, though, we need to approach Lake County, our home, with reverence and care – for the land and waters and our communities are a sacred trust and are what will sustain us in the times to come.

To the citizens of District 3 I say this: I am personally grateful to you for the opportunity to serve as your Supervisor thus far and am eager to continue our work together!

The election for District 3 Supervisor, and other county and statewide offices, will be held on June 8, 2010.

Denise Rushing represents District 3 on the Lake County Board of Supervisors. Visit her Web site at www.DeniseRushing.org .