About District 4

Fourth District, Calaveras County, CA

Altaville | Angels Camp | Douglas Flat | Murphys | Vallecito

Revitalizing Calaveras' Rural Economic Vitality: Gold to Green

Ironically it is the infrastructure created by miners that now points the way to future sustainable, non-exploitive economic development. Our hydroelectric capabilities, our water storage and transports, and our civic structures all exist as by-products of the mining era. Nevertheless, they are available to us today as the foundation for a new rural economic vitality.

Every step of my 10 point plan is possible today:

Create a public/private partnership to provide the legal and organizational foundation for action -- in California; these are sometimes called "P3s".
Recruit a local, experienced P3 leader -- let's draw on the enormous talent pool right here in Calaveras County.
Enact revenue sharing guidelines for tax income generated by the P3 -- the City and County must collaborate, not compete.
Equalize the City and County Transit-Occupancy-Taxes (TOT) -- I support setting it at 12% with increases dedicated to sustainable economic development.
Establish "Green Benefit Basins" to create the necessary infrastructure for economic development -- these basins feature renewable technologies and conservation without impacting existing ratepayers.
Pursue specific commercial partners who are compatible with and committed to serving Calaveras' citizens -- use available assessment technologies to identify those linkages.
Enhance existing visitor-oriented centers to feature Calaveras' renewable energy resources -- for example, visitor car-ports with solar panel roofs and recharging plug-ins.
Encourage our community college districts to commit to provide "green collar" job training -- these include certification courses for plant operators in water, wastewater, hydro, solar and alternative building techniques.
Implement the Calaveras Council of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan including the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans and expand the Calaveras Transit Plan -- future economic development requires new approaches to energy efficiency and effectiveness.
Launch the "Calaveras Going Green" media campaign -- create a buzz about Calaveras' initiative to protect and enhance our rural lifestyles and environment.

Let's not get sidetracked by polarizers -- this plan addresses the concerns of the majority who want effective joint action by the private and public sectors, by the county and the city, and by all of us committed to preserving our quality of life in our communities.

This plan offers a foundation for effective action. With your support in the June election, I will work implement it.

Please share your views with me at "Write Lee".