Thursday, 28 March 2024

Simon: Putting the puzzle pieces together for a brighter future in Lake County

There are many things that need to work together to create a brighter future for our community. The right pieces need to emerge, at the right times, to create an effective whole. Like a puzzle, those pieces must complement one another to create a rich and structurally sound picture.

As District 1 supervisor, I was proud to join my colleagues in adopting “Vision 2028: Reimagining Lake County.” This 10-year plan provides a picture of what the future can look like, and it is inspiring to me.

Like many of you, I want to see a more economically resilient Lake County, where local residents and businesses can truly thrive. I want to see a Lake County where our youth – our most important asset – stay local, and become the next generation of leaders. I want to see healthier, more vibrant, stronger communities.

I believe we will get there, but all of the puzzle pieces need to be set in place.

We need to grow our economy and create local jobs. Many are hopeful that the developing legal cannabis industry can be a part of that, for example, and I have supported responsible cannabis policy. Realistically, though, it will be years before we can measure the impact of cannabis on the local economy – but it is a piece of the puzzle.

This is why we need to continue working on the big picture, all of the pieces of the puzzle: focused economic development; fostering a business-friendly environment; marketing Lake County as a premier outdoor recreation destination; collaborating with tribes, cities and community groups; and so much more.

Unfortunately, all of these things take time, and our county has unprecedented needs. The challenges are not coming years down the road – they are here now. If we don’t address the real and deepening immediate challenges that we are facing, all of the other pieces of the puzzle will be a lot more difficult to come by. More revenue is needed to start turning things around, and the ways to generate it are very limited.

That is why I voted to place Measure G on the June ballot for Lake County voters outside of the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport. Measure G is now in the hands of those voters. The revenue generated would maintain quality county services while we get the other puzzle pieces in place.

Building a brighter future is a process, and each puzzle piece must connect to the next. Recovering from disaster and restoring a sound baseline to our county finances will provide the ground from which the other pieces of our development can grow.

Moke Simon represents District 1 on the Lake County Board of Supervisors. He lives in Middletown, Calif.

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

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