KELSEYVILLE— On Wednesday, Kelseyville High School welcomed more than 90 local residents for an open forum debate organized by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce featuring the candidates for the District 5 County Supervisor race in the March 5 Primary Election. Prior to the new year, Dennis Holtzinger dropped out of the race leaving two candidates remaining, incumbent Jessica Pyska and challenger Daniel Boone Bridges.
The two candidates fielded questions formulated by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and read by event moderator Lakeport City Manager Kevin Ingram, with questions submitted by the public held for the last portion of the event.
With a grand total of 40 questions there were several issues discussed that seemed to split the crowd, with the topic of changing the Kelseyville town name at the top of the list. This question arose more than once, with Pyska first responding “There are a lot of strong opinions, and not all those opinions are the same.” She continued in explaining how the Federal application process has already begun and that the State of California will be investigating the matter further this summer, outreaching to residents in order to gather all the possible input.
Bridges’ answer differed some stating “This is ridiculous. The cost alone is astronomical.” He explained the cost, as every resident, business, and first responder services would be required to change their addresses or even their business name as many long time Kelseyville businesses use the name, including Kelseyville Lumber, Kelseyville Pizza, and Kelseyville Appliance. According to Bridges the time required to make such changes would be wasteful, as in his estimation there is no way to change the past.
In conclusion, prior to making their closing statements each candidate was allowed one question for their opponent, with Bridges asking Pyska “If it was your decision whether or not to change the name of Kelseyville, what would that decision be?” To which Pyska replied “Well it’s not, that’s a hypothetical question, there is a federal process.” She further noted how important she believed this decision is to the community and because of so getting as much feedback and input before making any decisions is necessary. Pyska shared “This decision needs to come from the argument of the people and the people that are here feel very strongly.”
In return Pyska asked Bridges “How do you feel like you can carry this work forward and really do the best for Lake County working only part time?” Bridges responded “I have been self employed my entire life, I work 60 hours a week all the time. I can take 40 hours every week and give it to the supervisors and still have 20 hours a week for my part time job.” Bridges also mentioned his desire to remain in the workforce as he believes that is how you stay connected to your community.
Many topics were discussed from economic development to staff shortages, but one question struck a chord with the audience, and it was concerning recent salary changes with Ingram asking, “What’s your stance on the recent salary increase for the board of supervisors?” Pyska responded explaining the increase was done as the result of a study comparing Lake County’s wages to those of neighboring counties, with Lake County’s found to be severely under average. Once county employees received their raises in parts, the supervisors were given theirs which had previously been frozen, bridging the gap in pay. Bridges’ response was “I think a 40 percent raise is irresponsible, and unnecessary.” He continued “One of the things I would like to see done is freeze the board’s raises and figure out a way to get those public elected officials’ salary not set by themselves.” Pyska further responded explaining “We did correct this so that the board’s salaries are no longer tied to the other elected, they are set by the state now.”
In closing Pyska shared “It really has been a privilege to serve the residents of District 5 and Lake County for the past three years.” She continued “The past three years have been about strategically laying the foundation for the growth that’s coming to Lake County. We have once in a lifetime funding coming into this county and it’s up to us to make sure that we have all of our plans in place so that we can pull down that funding and make those changes for Lake County that we all have wanted to see for a long time.”
Bridges closed the evening with his statement noting, “It’s a choice in change of direction for our county. I think I have the best interest of our county at heart.” He continued “I have six kids, and I want to see Lake County thrive and survive over the next 20 to 40 years. I’m not looking at just the next five years, I want to see that happen so my kids and grandkids will stay here.”
