[South Tahoe Now]

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – Each of the four candidates for El Dorado County supervisor for District V were asked the same set of 13 questions, and they are being published once per day this week in the order received.

1. Why are you qualified to be the supervisor for District V? How long have you lived full-time in Lake Tahoe/El Dorado County?

Commitment to my community. I have real-world experience dealing with issues that affect each and every one of us. Retired (Major) Military Veteran with 20 Years in the Nevada Army National Guard. Mental Health. I have dealt with the severe loss and the lack of proper mental health in this county and country. I am heavily involved with all aspects of issues here in the Tahoe Basin and Pollock Pines. Commitment. I have been married for 40 years. I have had a successful business up here for 40 years also. Residents always know they can rely on me to follow through with everything I am involved with. Residents also know they can contact me anytime. I have lived here full time since 1977.

2. Since the Meyers, Pollock Pines, Tahoma, and South Lake Tahoe regions will be looking to you to represent them, how will you make sure your one vote on the board counts? You also need to understand the West Slope. What are their issues, such as the General Plan process, what do you agree/not agree with?

My main concern and focus are going to be on District V. If there are issues in another district I will work with the supervisor from that district to get information. I will also visit the residents in that district to find out their concerns.

3. Do you plan to attend meetings in Placerville?

Yes. I will also push to have regular BOS meetings up here in South Lake Tahoe.

4. Are you a good collaborator? Share some examples of how you’ve collaborated with others from different points of view. How important is this skill on the Board of Supervisors?

Definition of collaborator is: a person who works jointly on an activity or project; an associate. 20 Years in the Military taught me how to deal with quite a few different situations. 40 years of owning a business also help. 40 Years of marriage goes without saying. I will have only one vote, but my vote will be a result of collaboration between all residents.

5. What do you think are the biggest issues currently facing District V and El Dorado County? What are your solutions for them?

District V: Taxation without representation. There is a large gap between what we send to Placerville in revenue generated here and what we get back. We have the infrastructure for what services we need but we do not have the personnel. El Dorado County: Infrastructure for housing developments not being provided prior to building.

6. During the pandemic, the supervisors faced backlash and verbal complaints as they tried to do what was best for the community based on the direction of the health officer. What would you have done differently, if anything, and how would you have handled the discourse?

The health department was the final say on everything and I believe they tried to what was best for the community. They were only following the mandates provided by our government. Before we dealt the business a heavy hand we should have tried to lessen the burden by helping and not hindering.

7. As a supervisor you will be taking roles on boards at TRPA, TTD, and the Tahoe Conservancy, among others. Tells us about your experience with these three (and others if you want to mention them) and what will you bring to the boards?

Accountability first and foremost. TRPA. I have been dealing with the TRPA for 40 years from a Tree Service contractor’s point of view. I also built a Residential / Commercial / Multi-Family residence. TTD. I have attended several meetings with the and their transportation plans for the Tahoe Basin. Tahoe Conservancy. I have worked with them on lot clearing and the removal of structures on sensitive lands.

8. If elected, how would you reach out to your constituents, why, and how often?

I cannot reach out to every resident. However, I expect every resident to reach out to me with their concerns and issues. I will make myself readily available and reachable at all times via Phone, Email or just come over to my home.

9. Transportation – do you understand and agree with TRPA and TTD’s Sustainable Transportation Funding Initiative and the Destination Stewardship approach?

No

10. Do you know what the County’s Strategic Plan is and what parts do you support/oppose?

I have read the plan and will have to wait until I get into office to comment.

11. Housing – what are your plans for housing (West Slope and Tahoe Basin)? Do you agree with Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless’ plans for the HomeKey project that has bought 3 hotels to house the homeless?

Not entirely. We need to have cooperation from the large business in this community that brings in workers on a temporary and permanent basis. Either through a living wage or help obtaining workforce housing.

12. Economic Development – how would you encourage more employees to live/work in Tahoe?

See above.

13. What are your feelings about the JTC and plans to move it back to Placerville eventually?

We have the infrastructure in place. We should utilize the facility already there.

 

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READ Tamara Wallace Interview HERE