Supervisor Anthony Farrington is looking ahead to a third term. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – There are many things Anthony Farrington says he still wants to do for Lake County, so he's on the ballot again this year as he seeks a third term as District 4's supervisor.

First elected in 2000 at age 30, Farrington is closing in on the end of his second term.

As he seeks reelection this year on the June 3 ballot, Farrington is in the enviable position of having no challenger running against him.

That's a far different scenario than he faced four years ago, when he had three people seeking his seat. Yet he managed to take victory in the primary despite a sizable field.

His reelection bid this year may turn out to be one of the easier moments for the 38-year-old Farrington over this past year.

Last September he was seriously injured on Cow Mountain when the dirt bike he was riding collided with a pickup truck. He later had to undergo surgery to repair his fractured right shoulder, and missed a month's worth of board meetings while he recuperated.

Then he weathered the terminal illness of his mother, Delores Bain.

After her death on March 2, Farrington took some time away from meetings, and returned, appearing older, more grave. His demeanor in the months since has seemed markedly more thoughtful and introspective.

Ask him about his family, and he's poignantly silent for a time. Then he talks about his mother and her family, and how they came from Illinois in the 1850s, settling in Lake County. He's proud of his pioneer heritage, and believes he has a responsibility to maintain the quality of life that drew his ancestors here so long ago.

Setting priorities for the road ahead

With his reelection in June an almost foregone conclusion, Farrington is looking past campaigning and refocusing on the issues he sees as important, which he says are many.

He said it's hard to distill all of his interests down to a few priorities. Yet, when he does start listing them water comes up on top, specifically the ongoing negotiations between the county and Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, which has as its primary source the waters of Clear Lake.

This past year, Farrington said the Board of Supervisors approved a committee to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with Yolo Flood, and amend an existing agreement between Yolo Flood and Lake County Special Districts, which he said would provide 8,000 acre feet of water on Clear Lake.

He's also working to launch the Lake County Meth Project, an education and awareness program that targets Lake County youth from the ages of 12 through 18. The project's goal is to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of using methamphetamine.

Then, there is the county's antiquated infrastructure, another obvious priority, said Farrington.

The challenge, he said, will be rebuilding the infrastructure without hitting ratepayers too hard. He sees part of the solution as requiring developers to invest in infrastructure expansion.

In District Four, Farrington said the Kelseyville and Finley water systems already have been upgraded. He said he'll continue supporting the county's efforts to expand the north Lakeport water treatment facility, make repairs to the north Lakeport sewer collection system and provide sewer to Lampson Airport.

There also are efforts under way to reconstruct Soda Bay Road and S. Main Street and underground utility lines at a cost of $6 million, as well as finishing to Gaddy Lane, he said.

Farrington is hopeful that the county also will be able to establish its own Court Appointed Special Advocate program – known as CASA – which is a nonprofit advocacy group that works for abused children in the court system.

He said the county secured a $10,000 grant to assist in the planing phase. However, they've received news that the state is looking at cutting future fundings for new CASA programs. Farrington said the county may reach out to Sonoma County to seek an interim partnership to get started.

Looking ahead, Farrington said he's anticipating the adoption of the county's new General Plan, which has been several years in the making.

He said he's also concerned that the North Lakeport Area Plan be updated as soon as possible to be ready for future growth. “That document, in itself, is severely flawed.”

That's because the plan has several areas of inappropriate zoning, most notably, zoning for high-density residential on the area's unstable, serpentine-filled hillsides, he said.

Across the highway, there is the issue of suburban reserve and agricultural zoning abutting residential, and he pointed to Mark Mitchell's Eachus View Estates proposal – rezoning agricultural lands to build several homes – as being a classic example of the zoning conflicts at work there.

Why he's running again

After nearly eight years on the board, Farrington said interaction with his constituents has been very rewarding, and guided him in his decision to seek another term.

“What I'm most proud about is just the relationships I've developed with my constituents and the success that I've had with them on an individual basis in terms of providing them with solutions,” he said.

It's those small victories – helping people through the maze of government and earning their trust – that don't make the headlines, he explained. “That is what continues to fuel me in terms of wanting to continue to serve.”

He said he was hesitant at times to run again, but through urging of constituents – as well as the advice of county Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Cox – Farrington committed to run.

“I always felt that public service was a noble calling and one person can make a difference,” he said.

While he still believes that, he said his time in office has shown him that making a difference can often be an uphill battle, thanks to a largely dysfunctional government, particularly at the state level.

He said it's no wonder that many people are jaded and cynical about government. “The process has squeezed out many people and everyday citizens.”

The county itself, he explained, has its own battles with the state, especially now in light of the fiscal crisis, with Farrington adding that the county likely will feel the impacts. “It's probably going to be one of the worst years we've seen.”

Future plans still forming

This July, Farrington will start back to law school after taking a sabbatical earlier this year to be with his mother during her illness.

It's his final year in the program, and once he's finished with law school he said it will be time to decide if he'll sit for the bar exam. He said he took the course of study, in part, because he felt it would add to his ability to serve the county. While a lengthy and costly process, he said he's been a good investment.

Beyond that, Farrington, said he's not certain of the future, or what he might do when – in four years, at the grand age of 42 – his next term ends.

There has been speculation for years that he has his eye on a seat in the state Legislature and in political arenas beyond that.

Farrington himself said that when he was first elected, way back at age 30, many people said he was only going to serve one term and use it as a springboard elsewhere.

It hasn't been the case so far, although Farrington didn't outright rule out the possibility of seeking higher office. “For whatever reason, I've been getting asked this question a lot more,” he said.

However, he says he's disappointed with state and federal politics, where special interests rule. He's seen firsthand the problems with the state government's struggle to balance its own budget, which has directly impacted counties like Lake, who increasingly are being called on to solve problems they didn't create.

Farrington said there's still more to do here in Lake County, and said he wants to focus on his third term. Considering a run for a higher office will come down the road.

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James - Just full of it. Registered | 06-01-2008 18:35:53 I don't feel well about any of your personal problems but I didnot bring them on you. That said you willing brought them on to me. You are a low life lying bureaucrat, you knew the truth but went along to get along after all just one old man and he would go away like all the others. So phoney Tonny tell yourself after six years have I gone away? There is legal controling authority out there. You aided those that would lie and cover up those lies. All that education and no scruples. I called you a lair and I will never recant. You took that oath and used it as wiping paper. Sue me, go ahead show Lake county I'm just a delusional town crier as the jury foreman Bron Locke has said. Farrington you can't hide lies forever. The paper with the apology will not take care the six years to get this government to do the right think.I know some of you will think I'm off it but not like Tonny the phoney. Semper Fi to the rest.

OneFamily - Too Much Going on IP:12.218.145.xxx | 06-01-2008 11:24:34 You can't be a decent supervisor if you are in law school and have all that other stuff going on. Focus is lacking.

Donna Christopher - Sorry about Author | 06-01-2008 12:03:07 your Mom's passing. All I can tell you is it never gets any better but does get less sucky. With no challengers we have to believe that the majority of folks in this district are happy with the service or don't give a flying fig. I hope you keep us that are livin' in the country, still livin' in the country. When I left the BV Grange hall last nite the sky was astounding in its beauty - can we please keep it that way?

jmadison - Hey James Registered | 06-02-2008 09:44:12 James, instead of writing multiple editorials calling people 'liars', without giving reason, why don't you explain to the rest of us what your gripe is with these elected leaders. Until then you can either go fist yourself or run for office. Tony does a great job, even if he is fitting in law school. Give the guy a break unless you can do better. U.S. out of Iraq.

James - Jmadison Registered | 06-02-2008 11:59:45 Must be new to this forum or just have not read all my post. I would have ran if my age and health were not against me. You must think that I'm posting for some ego trip or that the lying bureaucrat is picked on by someone he is not aware of. Not true my name is James Henderson and every word that comes from my mouth about phoney Tonny is true. I say again loud and clear he violated the oath he took no one asked him to die,just a simple amendment to the constitution and I quote in part "To petition the government for a redress of grievances." "or the adridging of that freedom." Next I never said any thing about his going to school. Don't be upset Phoney Tonny is a big boy, can take care of hinself. I have made charges and this government is to look at them, not excuses to hide. I have said, call me in to this government have me swear to tell the truth and if I lie put me in jail. So your upset that I use my rights under the contitution, speak my mind, tell the truth and I'm to fist myself.Glad your home save and a good life to you.Semper Fi

jmadison - James Registered | 06-02-2008 13:02:38 I am not new the post. The other day you were calling another local politician a liar, saying you were James Henderson, and the politicians knew why you were calling them a liar. Another reader asked you over and over why you were calling them a liar. All you could say was that "They knew why." Please let the rest of us know, why is Tony phoney? No one is upset that you use your rights. You can Semper Fi yourself if you prefer. Get out of Iraq.

James - jmadison Registered | 06-02-2008 16:14:22 How clear do I need to be? I gave you the names of those I acuse,I tell you what they did, I tell you the part in the constitution that was violated.I tell you that the charges I made have not been addressed. My post are not put on this sight to please you and as such I don't have to tell you every nuance so to understand from A to Z. Let me try one more time You can't have bureaucrats aid the one that lies and covered up the lies and have it after the fact. Then have no consequences for those astions. The post I put on line are to let the politician know I'm here and their lies will come out in time. I ask you could I not be telling the truth? Could someone else with the skills needed to tell the story be doing so.Yes. Lastly if your tone to rile me goes on futher communications with you will stop, I need no ones permission to use Semper FI I earned that right.

Thomas - To James and To One Family Registered | 06-03-2008 01:31:13 Hi James, How can the community be more clearer...GET A LIFE! This whole community is sick and tired of hearing from you! You claim you made charges and this government is to look at them? Let them do their job, innocent until proven guilty! Use spell check next time too. In the meantime, you might want to call this number. There is mental help out there for you and available 24 hours if you just call this number951) 601-1065. It's going to be O.K. To One Family, I applaud Tony and anyone who on their own takes night courses to get a better education and in this case help him in his current position to be a better County Supervisor. He has done so much for our community and continues to do great things, read the paper everyday! Kudos to Tony!

jmadison - James Registered | 06-03-2008 09:53:11 You see James, I'm not the only one who wishes you would tell us what all these "lies" are about. You have given the names of those that you call liars, but you have not said what their lies are, only that they have violated your constitutional rights. Elaborate. I'm not going to make fun of your spelling or your grammar, and I'm not trying to make fun of the fact that you sign out on all your comments with 'Semper Fi.' Just because you may have been a Marine, doesn't let you off the hook. Anyone can use the term 'Semper Fi', or always faithful. It has been used long before the Marines adopted it. Why don't you spend your time, as an ex-Marine, trying to get us out of Iraq, or are you always faithful to your National government, just not your local government?

James - Out of the wood work. Registered | 06-03-2008 10:53:12 Why would you be so mad? You don't have to read my post. If you like Farrington thats your call. Three of you have come out of the wood work and that makes a community.The lying bureaucrat knows the truth and in time so will everyone else.I will state this again I recieve no pleasure with my remarks that would offend you that like Farrington or Farrington himself. That said Farringtons action warrant a response I would continue to call him a lair if the whole of Lakeport yelled at me. So to say again Farrington is a lair he can sue. I ask you could I not be telling the truth? What do I have to gain? As the computer is a new tool have not mastered all the features yet so spell check will come. Nave a good live and Semper FI all others.

Thomas - Out of the wood work response Registered | 06-03-2008 11:44:24 Trust me; it's not just three of us in the community! I FINALLY decided to registered just to tell you enough already. Ok, so it's your opinion he is a liar. To error is human! Don’t tell me your perfect? Let them find him guilty or not and let it come from them if he lied. I can't believe someone as old as you spend so much time on this that you made it your hobby. Go down to the recruiter’s office for the Marine's and help our children and be more productive. He should not just sue you but he needs to get a restraining order! Your point was made long ago and your behavior is childish. Now get a life!

jmadison - Is this a joke? Registered | 06-03-2008 14:18:21 Last chance James: Can you answer 1 question? What is the lie??????????????????

James Registered | 06-03-2008 17:17:11 I have said before I could care less how many there are of you.The numbers on your side will not make it true. Thats farringtions excuse,its only a error, yep to lie and to hang on to that lie after he became aware of the wrong,you know he only misspoke.The problem is no controling authority in Lake County so will make my charges to the State next. Lastly this government is to insure my right.I made charges. PS lying is not enough? Thanks for allowing me to call Farrington a lying bureacrat again.

jmadison - James=Ted Kazinsky Registered | 06-03-2008 17:56:55 Sorry, you failed to answer the question.

Community Loyal - Community Registered | 06-03-2008 18:46:56 I find it interesting how James is compelled to post his messages in completely inappropriate places and also attack other people who are, in all likelihood, not even reading his posts. JMadison, don't ever expect an answer to your question because it won't ever happen. I guess since it is okay to throw around the slander perhaps the community should start calling James a liar everytime he posts and see how much he appreciates it?

Thomas - I agree, WHAT THE HECK IS THE Registered | 06-03-2008 18:47:47 My oh my, answer the question or let the STATE/GOVERNMENT handle it! Make your claim and statements to them. Start living for your family instead of for the Farrington hobby! James, do you realize unless you STOP in front of your house you look like a Farrington fan! I don't even know why we bother. How can anyone repect your claims when you don't have the BALL's to say what the lie's are and THEN MOVE THE HECK ON? That's ok James, keep looking like a 2nd grader.

In it to win it - CL Registered | 06-03-2008 20:11:44 Well now CL there you go a lieing again. Poor Henderson he is loosing his audience as well as his mind..Great post

James Registered | 06-03-2008 22:13:12 You win, I did the best I could to inform.You had a good laugh at my expense. Sorry my style turns you off. I have never mocked or callesd names to those that posted. I never made it personal. I called Farrington a lair because he allowed government employees to abuse their authority.Yes I"m a former Marine,Yes I have a problem with bureacrats that take the oath but its not for me.Yes I am a old man now and my best days are long behind me.Yes I know what a lie is even if others think its a error. Yes I have jousted my last windmill.Sorry I failed to enlighten. Yes I'm tired reading the stupidity that comes out of some of you.

Community Loyal - WHAT THE?! Registered | 06-04-2008 11:16:14 Whomever used my name to post those last three comments, be expecting a message from the site coordinator since they will have your IP Address. I did not post anything other than the first one in maroon! My apologies to James for thinking that I wrote those last three. I have more class than that.

Thomas - Cummunity Loyal re: name. Registered | 06-04-2008 12:27:22 If you are referrig to Thomas, thats my name and it's no made up name I don't hide behind any made up names and stand by what I say and I am not sorry only sorry for Mr. Farrington. If you ae not referring to me I apolgize for the mis-understanding and cant believe I am engaging with James on this topic. Make his claims let the higher ups deal with it meaning state/government and move on and get a real life!

Thomas - Community Loyal Re-Read Registered | 06-04-2008 14:08:27 No-one used your name. The name is to the left. I only see two posts from you in RED.

Community Loyal - Removed Registered | 06-04-2008 23:27:48 The editor has removed them now.

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