About District 4

Fourth District, Calaveras County, CA

Altaville | Angels Camp | Douglas Flat | Murphys | Vallecito

Inter-governmental Relations

Yesterday, I wrote about politics as local. I do believe that is true, but it is not the entire story. District Four has many different government organizations, from cemetery districts to county-wide bodies. It is natural that these different governmental units work together to serve the people. However, just like extended families members do not always agree, so inter-governmental relations are not always smooth.

In America, we have a long history of distrusting the concentration of government power in the hands of a few. That is why we subdivide even local government into smaller units, usually with specific and limited authorities. It is clear that sometimes that there are overlaps and gaps in responsibilities among the various bodies. This, in turns, sets the stage for disagreements. I regard this fact as an evitable consequence of protecting liberty, so I am prepared to deal with each dispute in a business-like manner.

I respect the need for each body to pursue its course of action. However, inter-governmental relations are most productive for the people we serve when every body makes a concerted effort to inform and cooperate rather than pursue unilateral action. Every unit of government in Calaveras County should always be mindful that we are a small county with very limited resources. Every effort should be made to use those resources wisely. Pursuing uncoordinated policies and projects costs all citizens and may jeopardize effective public action.

I believe it is the personal responsibility of every public official to place the people's well-being above career or fiefdom interests.

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