The Lake County Vector Control District is a public health agency that protects Lake County residents and visitors from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, and other locally important vectors like ticks and biting black gnats. The district also plays an important role in protecting the local economy which depends largely on the many outdoor recreational opportunities available around the lake.
Earlier this week, a letter about the district written by Mr. Philip Murphy ? the district”s newest trustee ? was published in this newspaper. It is unfortunate that he chose the media to advertise his dissatisfaction with the Lake County Vector Control District (LCVCD) instead of bringing his questions to the full board at a public meeting where action could be taken by the LCVCD board to address any bona fide issues.
Phil Murphy had been on the LCVCD board for only 22 days when his letter appeared; he was appointed to the LCVCD board of trustees on June 2. He attended his first LCVCD board meeting on June 10, and asked no questions about any of the topics that he mentioned in his letter. We are concerned that Mr. Murphy”s extremely short tenure on the board has not afforded him ample opportunity to understand the district”s routine activities, finances and policies, which are part of the LCVCD board”s long-term strategic plan that will allow this agency to continue protecting public health and the local economy.
We agree that Lake County property owners should have the correct information before them when they vote on the benefit assessment; unfortunately Mr. Murphy”s letter does not accurately describe the issues that he addresses.
Mr. Murphy, although he is a trustee of the LCVCD, is not authorized to represent the district. His remarks were largely inaccurate and included many facts taken out of context. For instance, he mentioned that requests for service were down 50 percent over the last two years; he neglected to mention that when our district manager reported on this at the June 10 board meeting, she explained that this was because we have had two consecutive years of low rainfall, and the lake level has left many mosquito sources dry this year. Mr. Murphy further failed to mention that in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 the district responded to 183 percent more service requests than average ? mosquito activity is correlated to weather, and while some years are drier than average, other years are much wetter, and create more larval mosquito habitat. Likely because of his short time on the LCVCD board, Mr. Murphy was also unaware that responding to service requests ? while very important ? is only a small part of the LCVCD”s overall responsibility; the district”s certified vector control technicians spend much of their time proactively treating for mosquitoes throughout the county.
We have numerous concerns about Mr. Murphy”s letter ? not the least of which is his apparent unwillingness to ask his questions in an open and public meeting where some action could be taken by the LCVCD board. Nonetheless, Mr. Murphy”s concerns will be addressed by the board at its monthly public meeting at 1:30 p.m. on July 15 at LCVCD”s office at 410 Esplanade, Lakeport, CA 95453. This meeting ? like every other LCVCD board meeting ? is open to the public, and we welcome all members of the public who would like to attend.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call the district at (707) 263-4770 or e-mail us at lcvcd@mchsi.com. The Lake County Vector Control District is here to serve you.
Curt Giambruno, LCVCD Board President
Mel Gatton, LCVCD Board Secretary
Jim Hill, LCVCD Trustee
Chuck Leonard, LCVCD Trustee
