District 1 Supervisor candidates James Comstock and Susanne La Faver debated issues concerning the entire county and issues specific to the community of Middletown Wednesday night. This is the second debate between the two, with less than five weeks until voters will decide Nov. 4 which candidate will fill the empty county seat.
In his closing statement, Comstock said electing La Faver would bring four more years of “business as usual,” citing outgoing Dist. 1 Supervisor Ed Robey”s endorsement of La Faver.
La Faver is a self-proclaimed Democrat. Comstock declined to give his party affiliation, but said he is conservative. The race is non-partisan.
“This election provides a fair choice ? do you want a change or the status quo? For too long, Ed (Robey) and other county officials have ignored what is important in Middletown and my opponent is their hand-picked choice,” Comstock said in closing statements.
La Faver did not have a chance to rebut that comment because Comstock”s closing statement was the last. Earlier in the debate, the two disagreed about whether La Faver”s push to apply for state and federal money was a viable way to obtain funding for the county.
“I met with Barbara Boxer and got information about how to search for grants. It”s going to be important to collaborate with people who know where funds available, public and private,” La Faver said.
Comstock called La Faver”s idea “pie-in-the-sky,” saying government funds would be hard to obtain during economic hardship.
Approximately 95 people attended the debate, and applause could be heard from sections of the packed room at key points when the candidates answered questions concerning water rights and development in Middletown and surrounding areas. Differences between the two were along the lines of Middletown”s community growth boundaries and how to fund needed improvements to the area.
Comstock said he supported the Middletown Area Committee”s recommendations to expand Middletown”s community boundaries to accommodate 20 years of growth, but La Faver sided with the recommendation of Lake County Community Development Department staff to keep the boundaries the same and allow amendments on a case-by-case basis.
Concerning growth, La Faver said she wanted to promote tourism and attract new business to the county. Comstock favored new business and training for Lake County”s youth, calling tourism the “gravy” and job creation and business the “meat.”
Both candidates agreed that more jobs and training for Lake County”s youth are needed, and agreed that growth should happen inside community boundaries.
Comstock was born in Lake County and operates a ranch on Grange Road in Middletown. He is serving his fifth consecutive term on the Middletown Unified School District Board. La Faver has lived in Middletown for six years. Her resume details a 25-year history in public relations, and she holds a master”s in public administration.
The debate can be viewed on Channel 8. For a schedule of shows, visit www.laketv8.com.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
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