LAKEPORT >> If you walked by Jose “Moke” Simon III’s new office in the Lake County courthouse, you wouldn’t know it’s importance. His desk presents no papers, the shelves hold only a few basic government binders, even the small recycling bin sits in wait for purpose. Truly, the new supervisor’s office seems a little barren at the moment, but that might not change.
“I’m not a frills guy,” Simon said. “I’m a Middletown guy.”
His election as the District One supervisor marks history for Lake County, as he’s the first Native American to assume a position on the board. He’s likely also the first one to sport his particular hair style.
Simon was born and raised in Middletown, a member of the Rancheria Pomo Indians of California. He became the Tribal Chairman at the age of 27, and has since taken over management at the Twin Pines Casino & Hotel, as well as the Mount St. Helena Brewing company.
He said his new role means a great deal to himself, as well as his tribe. The Middletown Rancheria consists of 239 members of Simon’s family.
“I truly believe it’s time for Native Americans to be involved in office,” Simon said. “I knew it would be historic, it’s a huge accomplishment.”
Perhaps just as historic is Simon’s campaign process, which strayed from the conventional path.
“When I handed in my (campaign) papers, they asked: ‘who is your treasurer?’ I said ‘Oh. I don’t have one yet,” Simon said. Eventually, he gathered business relations into a campaign committee. The following months were a crash-course in politics. “We didn’t have a political consultant. We learned along the way. We were a completely grassroots campaign.”
On Jan. 3, Simon swore in as the new supervisor and began the process of moving into his office. Soon, he must face some of Lake County’s looming issues and community concerns.
“Rebuilding from the fire is gonna be huge,” Simon said, who provided hundreds of people with temporary housing at Twin Pines during the Valley Fire. “It’s a challenge for us every day. It’s like it happened yesterday.”
As a political voice for local Native Americans, Simon said he hopes some issues will have a serious place at the table, especially concerns about natural resources and the surrounding environment.
“The position gives me an opportunity to educate from a tribal side,” he said. “Over the past 20 years, it’s been about bridging that gap. Still, the conditions of some of the reservations in the state are deplorable.”
As a businessman, he said he hopes to bring some economic development to Lake County.
“I think there’s a perception of our county being a poor county,” he said. “I want to bring in new businesses.”
It’s a lot to handle, let alone shove into a schedule as packed as Simon’s
“There are limitations,” he said. “I may have to curb my expectations of what can be done. It may not happen as fast as I want. I’m just excited about the opportunity. I’m humbled, but I’ll work hard.”
