During the Valley Fire it seemed as if Rob Brown was everywhere. The county supervisor for the 5th District worked in the fire area every day, attended meetings, press conferences, answered questions, provided assistance and whatever else he could manage. If this service didn’t give him name recognition, a couple decades coaching local wrestlers and four terms on the county board made him known. Brown is a third generation resident, living on the old family property. His son has the house next door. Over the years, he has worked in several realms, most notably as a bail bondsman. Although he had planned to step down from the county board after this term, the fire provided cause for another run. And for this term he is serving as chair of the board of supervisors.
1. Chair of the board — what’s that like?
It’s OK. Everybody has to take a turn, so it’s not that big of a deal. You just keep things running smoothly.
2. But you were almost out.
Just about. I might still be, depending on the election.
3. Why get involved in government in the first place?
I was on the school board. I really believe in public service. I felt a duty to give back to the community. This is our home.
4. The last few months have been busy for you.
It got really busy, but I felt like I was able to use everything I’ve learned over the years. It was like I had been training for this one event. The first four days I didn’t sleep. Sheriff [Brian] Martin, myself and Martin Scheel were up there every day. We were able to help. People had big problems and small problems, but even the small things are big to somebody. I kept thinking I’d hit the wall, but I never did.
5. What kept you going?
This is exctly what government is supposed to do. You know, I’m conservative and believe in limited government, but the purpose of government is to help. And this showed the world what Lake County is made of. I think a lot of our state representatives have seen what we’re made of. We’re going to thrive. But we have to do everything right. That’s my goal.
6. How difficult was it to focus on helping people with some of the things that you saw?
I don’t know. My dad passed away in the middle of all this [pause]. I kept focus. He was in hospice and I’d spend time with him, but even after he passed I knew there were [paused] there were thousands of people that counted on me.
7. I was there that first night when you gave out your cell number to everybody. How many calls did you get?
Thousands. I still get calls. I always try to answer.
8. Why do you keep coaching?
This is my last year. Of course, I said that about supervisors. These kids — you get so attached to them. I’ve coached something every year since 1979. It’s important to be involved and wrestling has been really good to a lot of kids.
9. Wrestlers are a different breed.
They are. I see that as a good thing. You’re on the mat. If you win, if you lose — it’s all you. You can’t look at anyone else. It’s a great sport. That’s how I look at it.
10. So what will the new year bring?
I think it will be one of the best years we’ve ever had. We were guessing a 30 percent rebuild rate and now it’s looking like double that. And some people are going to see Cobb for the first time. They won’t know what it looked like, they will see it for the first time. We will attract new people. There is a real opportunity. But the hand we’ve been dealt we need to play wisely.
