LAKEPORT >> By all accounts, Tuesday was historic for Lake County. Two state representatives, Lakeport’s police chief, the Lake County Sheriff, county supervisors, city officials, chamber members, federal officers — all assembled to mark the occasion.
For the first time in recent memory, a Legislative District Office opened in the county.
Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Bill Dodd held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday evening for their joint facility, located in the Ag Building at 885 Lakeport Blvd. in Lakeport. It’s the culmination of an idea the two spoke about before even taking office.
“It’s important to have connectivity to state government,” Dodd said.
The district office will allow local residents to learn of state programs, discuss local issues and air their concerns. It will also provide the elected officials a space to connect more readily — face to face — with local leaders.
Over the next week, McGuire and Dodd expect to announce regular hours at the facility.
“It’s a commitment we both made to be active and engaged in Lake County,” McGuire said. “We’re committed now, tomorrow and for decades.”
It has been decades, according to some, since a Legislative District Office allowed Lake County residents access to their elected officials on the state level. Others suggest this represents the first such facility. County Supervisor Anthony Farrington said it is the only one he recalls.
McGuire and Dodd have worked together — in their respective houses — on bills of local importance. To them, teaming up on a legislative office seemed natural.
“We both believe when we work together we are stronger,” McGuire observed.
“This has been a labor of love,” Dodd added. “It sounds corny, but we were struck by the quality of resources in Lake County, the quality of the people.”
On Tuesday, they spoke with those gathered for the occasion personally and in general addresses. Recovery from the Valley Fire dominated all conversations.
“We’re all in for Lake County,” Dodd said.
