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Opinion
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- Written by: David Claffey
It didn’t take long for Laura to make a positive impression on me. Within the first few weeks after taking over the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Laura was everywhere. She met with city and county officials, business owners, and community leaders, most coming away with the sense that she truly cared about their needs and objectives.
As the months and years passed, that motivation never wavered. Just recently she joined a Tourism Improvement District board meeting with a great idea, a plan to execute, and the confidence to field difficult questions without losing sight of her mission.
No one can argue that she isn’t tapped into the challenges facing Lake County. She has been a tireless advocate for small business, she has a clear commitment to increasing and improving housing options, and her human resources background will no doubt help the board as they tackle the issues around recruiting and retention of county staff.
I support Laura because I know her character, her work ethic, and her desire to make Lake County a better place. Those qualities shine through in everything she takes on, county supervisor included. She will be a superb advocate for District 4 and has already forged substantial relationships across the county that can’t easily be replicated.
David Claffey is a member of the Clearlake City Council. He lives in Clearlake, California.
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- Written by: Ryan and Pilar White
Measure Q is a bond measure that proposes to assess property owners $60 per $100,000 of assessed value every year on their property taxes for 30 YEARS to do infrastructure improvements and upgrades in the amount of $35.5 million.
This bond will also incur interest charges and possibly cost Kelseyville taxpayers over $70 million. This proposed bond would be IN ADDITION to the other two KVUSD school bonds we currently pay annually on our property tax bill.
We agree that more investment is needed to improve education in our school district. We encourage the school district to ask the state of California for money to improve infrastructure. Furthermore, these infrastructure improvements do not directly translate into improved education as the proponents of Measure Q promise.
This property tax assessment will not only affect homeowners and landowners in the school district. The passage of this measure could easily result in increased rents for those who are currently renting a home in the district.
It is easy to donate money to the school district if you are in a financial position to do so, but consider that a “yes” vote on Measure Q will force every homeowner and landowner in Kelseyville to pay another assessment on their property taxes whether or not they can afford it.
Given the high inflation we are experiencing in this current economy, the skyrocketing homeowner’s insurance rates and the recent storm damage we are dealing with, there could not be a worse time to ask residents to fund government projects. Vote No on Measure Q.
Ryan and Pilar White live in Kelseyville, California.
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- Written by: Richie Bucher
I first met Jessica after the 2015 Valley Fire when our community, including herself, was navigating the challenges of post-fire recovery. She selflessly dedicated her time and resources to help others in the community. Later, as a member of the Cobb Area Council, she continued to assist people at her own expense, in a true display of service.
Jessica's commitment to our community became even more evident when she became District 5 sSupervisor. She actively advocated for our community in the face of the significant fire risks in Lake County. She engaged with legislative representatives and program directors to implement fire-resilient projects, addressing the widespread cancellation of fire insurance policies.
Beyond fire-related issues, Jessica has worked tirelessly to provide resources to families in need, ranging from low-income housing to food and education programs. Most recently her quick response in declaring a local emergency from the February storms showcased her dedication to meeting basic needs.
I appreciate Jessica’s efforts in expanding open spaces like the proposed Cobb community park and preserving Lake County's historical, cultural, and natural significance. These actions contribute not only to our small economy but also a better quality of life for residents.
What sets Jessica apart is her approach to leadership. She engages in constructive dialogue, leaving discussions with a smile, whether agreements or disagreements. Her diplomatic style fosters unity instead of division, a quality we need in our representatives.
In a time when progress is essential, Jessica has demonstrated her qualifications, commitment to address complicated matters. Let's continue moving forward by endorsing Mrs. Jessica Pyska for re-election as District 5 supervisor.
Richie Bucher lives in Cobb, California.
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- Written by: Jim Comstock
My association with Jessica goes back to her early years, when her mother, Karen Jennings, and I served together on the Middletown School Board. I saw her graduate high school, leave for college, and then return to Cobb to start a family with her husband Joel.
The 2015 Valley Fire devastated our community and destroyed many homes, including Jessica’s family’s home.
Serving as supervisor for District 1 at the time, I witnessed Jessica and her family take the lead in rallying their neighbors to rebuild the community. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Jessica's deep commitment to community service, eventually leading to her co-founding and chairing the Cobb Area Council in 2016 and a successful run for Supervisor in 2020.
Since her election, I have witnessed Jessica's determination and ingenuity in addressing critical, unresolved issues crucial for the county's progress. Her ability to bring together county staff and multiple agencies and secure funding has yielded tangible results.
Jessica's competent leadership has earned the confidence of federal and state leaders, paving the way for the awarding of pilot projects that bring funding, job creation, and the potential for new industries in the county. Moreover, her fearless advocacy for our rural values, rooted in her lifelong experience, is being heard at regional, state, and federal levels.
I have reviewed the endorsement list on her website and see the strong support that Jessica has built — federal, state and local, including many organizations that support the vision that she has laid out for a strong future for Lake County.
In just three years, Jessica has shown she is more than capable of delivering on that vision. I eagerly anticipate the future she is building for all our children and grandchildren.
Jim Comstock served as District 1 supervisor from 2008 to 2016. He lives in Middletown, California.