LAKEPORT >> Executive experience and a priority for health care and filling county vacancies may posit well for Laura McAndrews Sammel in her campaign for the District 4 Supervisor seat next year.
She is currently the Lake County Chamber of Commerce CEO, which oversees more than 300 businesses county wide. Her background in healthcare and human resources management are two qualifications she notes. She also holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus in health care management.
“I have not held public office, but my economic development and healthcare experience will strongly position me to help advance the county’s economic and healthcare priorities,” she said.
Sammel and her husband live in North Lakeport, where they have a home and raised their three children together. Two of them are graduates of Clear Lake High School, where her husband taught Spanish for 20 years. She has lived in Lake County for over 17 years.
Along with 20 plus years of executive level business experience, Sammel served the Lake County Economic Development Corporation, Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, Lake Subcommittee for the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, and the Lake County Arts Council. She also serves on the Steering Committee for Blue Zones Project Lake County.
“My strong background in human resources management consultancy can be utilized to develop recruitment and retention strategies to address the county’s high turnover,” she said. And her background in healthcare management convinces her to make it a top priority for the county by improving access to quality healthcare.
“I’ll significantly increase funding for the county’s behavioral healthcare services, craft the most strategic use of opioid funding that will soon be coming into the county,” she said. “And I’ll work for improvement of this county’s health, which ranks close the bottom in healthcare rankings for California.”
Regarding the major issue of the county, Sammel pledged, “Improving Lake County’s economy is a paramount issue due to its direct correlation with community well-being. A robust economy ensures job creation, fostering local employment opportunities and reducing unemployment rates, thereby enhancing residents’ quality of life,” Sammel stressed.
Addressing homelessness is one of the biggest issues, in District 4, she pointed out. “Firstly, it is essential for the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with access to shelter, food, and healthcare,” Sammel said. “Secondly, tackling homelessness contributes to public safety, reduces the likelihood of crime.” And addressing homelessness is vital for the overall community health and prosperity, she noted. Stable housing is also a fundamental factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering economic stability. That has been a priority for the current board, and she will continue that work.
Dealing with the historic threat of wildfire Sammel will support the efforts currently underway, such as those provided by the Community Risk Reduction Authority, the Home Hardening Project lead by North Coast Opportunities, the Lake County Fire Safe Councils, and other working groups. “I also plan to lobby for efforts to decrease the cost of property insurance, for homes and businesses alike,” she said.
Sammel is also well aware of the ongoing vacancies in the county. “I know the county has a qualified HR director, she said. “I also know the county has analyzed the compensation of county employees and made adjustments based on similar positions in other county governments- so, we’re off to a good start.”
And she pointed out a great way to prevent vacancies in any company is to retain the current talent. “I’ll focus on providing opportunities for development and promotions; ensuring that each employee is valued, respected, and heard,” she said. “Also provide benefits packages that are flexible. So, after many years as a human resource professional, I know that compensation is rarely the number one reason a person leaves a job.”
Another important issue Sammel raised is streamlining the permitting process for businesses which is crucial as it fosters entrepreneurship and a more favorable environment for economic growth. “The team at the Community Development Department is talented and wants the best outcomes for business owners,” she said.
Parks and public spaces are also essential to Lake County, which promote physical health and community engagement, she noted. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of the region, attracting tourists, supporting local businesses, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among residents.
Maintaining decorum also will contribute to her endeavors. “My attitude is one of collaboration and innovation, which positions me well to serve on the board,” she said. “My ability to work effectively with stakeholders, fosters cooperation and consensus within the community.”
And she added, “Respecting each other’s ideas, thinking outside the box, and working together are the only ways that will find resolution.”
Voters can learn more about her campaign at: Web: www.laura4supervisor.com, Email: vote@laura4supervisor.com
U.S. Mail: PO Box 1294, Lakeport, CA 95453, or Facebook: www.facebook.com/laura4dist4.
