The Humboldt Association of Realtors hosted a forum 4/25/12
at the Runeberg Hall in Eureka. I will try to dissect as much information as I
can. I had over 4 pages of notes, and I
am sure you don’t want the long version. So here is a synapse.
Opening
Statements:
Annette: Teacher,
Grand Jury member and involved in Positive Research for Preparation of
Information.
Cheryl: Did you know that the Eel River used to be
called the Weott? Her ancestors lived on the banks and also on Indian Island.
Nobody in this race can claim longer linage. Champions’ local road improvement,
health care, need of jobs and housing for all. “We need people talking to
people as a collaborative effort!”
Rex: Said we need
to create private sector jobs and be business friendly. “I like to get things
done!” “This is the most beautiful place in the world!”
What is your
position on the Forster Gil/Ridgewood project?
Rex: Is not happy
that Cal Trans and the City of Eureka were left out of the loop. He does not
feel the slopes in the area will be able to handle development. Doesn’t like that the developers are not local.
Cheryl: New
housing wouldn’t be bad, but the infrastructure needs to be dealt with. The
traffic issues mitigated. Would like things to go back to the drawing board as
far as water and sewage issues.
Annette: Lead
agency was not addressed for project. “Lots need to be done. The streets
proposed need to be widened.”
Should the General
Plan Update protect right to live on TPZ land?
Cheryl: Protect
landowners. Need to work together, private or not. “The County needs to work
with the landowners!”
Annette: “Protect
their rights to live on the lands.”
Rex: Protect
property rights. Respect the lands handed down to family
members (Heritage) but respect the environment also.
Should County
support Richardson Grove Project?
Annette: “Get it
done as soon as possible!”
Rex: “Get it done
tomorrow!” “Needed for niche manufacturing and safer
passage!”
Cheryl: “This is in
litigation and out of our hands. Need
to focus on local made products.
This affects all of us!”
What are your
feelings about the shady parcels from the planning department?
Rex: “This is a
problem created in the 1970’s.” “Land owners need this to be fixed and fast
tracked to allow property to be developed. That will create jobs!”
Cheryl: “You got
me.” “My property was one of those shaded.” She felt this problem was handed
down for generations, but the planning department was helpful. She thanked
Jimmy Smith for help on this issue also.
Annette: Said
that the planning commission was taking care of mitigation.
What are you
feelings on the proposed Railroad going east?
Cheryl: Need a
county feasibility study. Needs to be looked at vigorously.
Annette: “I am
part of Prosperity 2012 and we are proposing a rail study.” She pointed out
that many jobs would be created and the benefits for the harbor would be great.
Rex: “Tehema has
approved feasibility. So has Trinity. Why is Humboldt the holdup?” “Having a
viable deep water port could create 500 jobs.” Felt we needed to look at study
because rail is environmentally friendly and takes truck off the road.
Are you a Private
Property Advocate?
Annette: “Yes, I
am an Advocate.” But she wanted to make sure land use decisions fit codes.
Mentioned not liking the Tip Top club.
Rex: “Yes.
Property rights are an intangible asset. “
Cheryl: “We own
our property and should be good stewards.” “Meth labs in housing is not responsible
ownership.” She would like to help people through the process and work together
as a community.
How do we create
affordable housing?
Rex: “Create jobs
and housing will become affordable!”
Cheryl: “Every
Neighborhood needs everybody!” “Need to
take of all and live together. That is a community!”
Annette: “It
takes a village.” Feels that a community is responsible to do something.
What are you
feelings of the restructuring of the Community Development and planning department?
Cheryl: “Sometimes
offices get too big. I don’t know what happened. If that is what has been done
let’s see how it works.”
Annette: “The
Department grew too big.” “It is healthy.”
Rex: “It is a big
ship and the Captain leading it is responsible.” “The planning staff need to
know who they work for, us!” “The Department is not business friendly and plays
with inventory numbers to the point that grants are misapplied for.” “The efficiency
of this department has been grand jury discussion.”
How do feel about
Rural lifestyle allowing Homesteading?
Annette: “It is a
choice. Your right to do that. Go for it!”
Rex: “It means
having a septic system instead of a sewer system.” “It is alright if you live
within your means, just remember, the 1st Responder is you!”
Cheryl:” I grew up in a rural community with
well and septic service.” ”We’ve bee doing this for years. We are a hardy
people.”
What is your
opinion on the General Plan Update?
Rex: “What’s it
been? Twelve years?” “Plan is unsustainable and unaffordable” “It strips away
personal property rights.” “I have been to around 40 public meetings and this
as a political football.” “May have to start over to anything done in Humboldt
County.” Rex mentioned other counties only taking a little over 2 years to
update their plans.
Cheryl: “In my
opinion, it is going too slow.” “The process is huge and difficult. People were
not being listened to. ““Need to vote this one in and start a new one”
Annette: “The
County General Plan needs to be updated every 20 years and we are getting close
to that many years.” “The process is too slow.” She feels the need to readdress
the Citizen Advisory Committee, and land use issues.
Contrast these
roles, private sector vs. public in community planning decisions.
Cheryl: “Private
is very important and Government needs to cooperate.” “Makes me crazy. “ “Need
to get to the meat of things!”
Annette: “Currently
this is being done top down with not much public input.” “There is power in the
people.”
Rex: “For the
people, by the people.” “Private sector pays the bills!” “You need the private
sector to attract businesses.” “ Need to get things done, no cum bay a or
touchy feely stuff.” “We meeting stuff to death!” “So no just having a meeting
so we can say we had a meeting.”
What is the first
thing you would have the new planning director address?
Annette: “How do
we serve the people efficiently for all?” “Have them be part of the solution
and not the problem.” She would like to help support change.
Rex: “Improve
customer service.” “Run the department like a private enterprise.” When Bob cannot
obtain a permit, Bob cannot work, so no jobs!” “If staff needs checks and
balances, staff is limited by their Supervisors.” “Need to copy other places
for customer service.”
Cheryl: “People
First!” “Talk to the Director and go through right channels.”
Closing Statement:
Rex: He feels he
has the Qualities to get things done. An emphasis on Public Safety, Roads,
Parks and less on grants. “I will work
like there is no tomorrow!”
Cheryl: Not a
stranger to hard work. Wants to help
people who can’t help themselves. “People First!” Has raised money for the
community and promises that “The doors will always be open!”
Annette: Spent 24
years here in education. Been active in the community. “I do care. I can’t
serve people if I don’t know who they are.” People approached her to run for this seat.
