The Lake County Record-Bee Editorial Board offers the following endorsements for candidates on the June 6 primary ballot.
Earlier this month, our editorial board interviewed all of the candidates for contested county offices Lake County Office of Education superintendent, and District 2 and 3 supervisors. Based on our personal discussions with them combined with observing them at candidate forums or during time in office, and studying their records we offer the following opinions on those we believe are most qualified to take office.
Next week, we will make space available for candidates to offer rebuttal to the following endorsements.
Editorial Board members involved in the interview process were Publisher Gregg McConnell, Editor Elizabeth Larson and Sports Editor Brian Sumpter.
Lake County Office of Education Superintendent: Dave Geck
After having spent nearly three decades in education with more than 10 years of that time spent as the Lake County Office of Education”s assistant superintendent Dave Geck has racked up some impressive qualifications. We believe he”s poised to hit the ground running if he is elected as LCOE”s new superintendent.
Besides impressive credentials and support from leading educators around the county, Geck understands the needs of our children. He has set up a successful ROP program, which offers real-world vocational training to high schools students. He said he wants to be a highly visible superintendent, with plans to work predominantly within the county to build the best programs possible.
Geck is a thoughtful and approachable man, necessary traits for the position he seeks. We find him to be genuine, articulate, highly intelligent, involved in his community and deeply concerned for our young people.
We endorse Dave Geck for LCOE superintendent.
District 2 Supervisor: Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith has so far served two terms on the Board of Supervisors. Although being an incumbent isn”t always the best qualification for a candidate, in this case, we believe it”s a good one.
Smith has a clear grasp of the issues facing the south county, and has been a proponent of making sure that area gets more attention and more of its “fair share.”
What”s more, Smith is keenly interested in the water issue, which we think is one of the most important concerns facing our county right now. Although Supervisors Anthony Farrington and Ed Robey have gotten more visibility in the board”s water dealings, former Yolo County supervisor Lynnel Pollock credits Smith for working with her to launch the discussion between Lake and Yolo over rights to Clear Lake”s water in 1999.
We find Smith approachable and forthright. He has good insights into local issues and his experience will help him in the next four years.
We endorse Jeff Smith for reelection as District 2 supervisor.
District 3 Supervisor: Denise Rushing
Denise Rushing is perhaps the most qualified person to run for local public office in recent memory. She brings an impressive education, practical world experience as a manager and engineer, a clear vision for the county”s future and a particular and refreshing levelheadedness.
She has overseen budgets for utility and conservation companies, which will prepare her for the task of administering a county budget, and she currently serves on the county”s Area Planning Council.
Although she has only been in the community two years, she is well connected to, and involved in, the Northshore”s rapidly changing community.
Rushing understands the resource challenges our county is facing as it is increasingly developed, and is a water resources advocate. Recently, she stepped up as a citizen-leader to give convincing, informed testimony before the Public Utilities Commission on behalf of Lucerne ratepayers, who are in a pitched battle with California Water Service Co. over a massive proposed rate increase.
What”s more, she exudes conviction and intelligence. Both of those qualities will enable her to lead, and not buckle to pressure when difficult decisions such as resource or development issues are at hand.
Rushing is progressive, not defensive. She focuses not on what the county can”t do, but on what it can.
Certainly, we can”t expect local government to solve every problem. But at the county level, we could use some more talent and optimism. After all, it”s at the local level that most people come into contact with officials and leaders. Therefore, we need a person who is intelligent, welcoming, willing to approach problems in creative ways and find solutions where none may seem to exist.
As such, we believe Denise Rushing is the person for the job, and we endorse her for District 3 Supervisor.
