My name is Cyndy Forbes. I am writing as a long-time voter and resident of Lake County, to express my strong support for Laura McAndrews Sammel becoming our District 4 supervisor.

I attended the candidates’ forum on Jan. 9th and streamed the Lake County Farm Bureau on Feb. 3. Laura stood out to me from among the other candidates because of her strong business sense and her ability to apply common sense solutions to key issues affecting District 4 and Lake County residents, such as our low housing stock and the impacts of climate change on our water supply.

When Laura addressed questions about building a secure environment for small businesses in Lake County at the candidates’ forum, it was clear that she was drawing on the many years as the CEO of our Chamber of Commerce, her experience as a human resource professional and an employee working for large corporations and small businesses.

I was also impressed by her publicly stated willingness to collaborate with statewide elected assembly members and senators on both sides of the aisle to get the funding and resources Lake County needs to address the challenges faced by business owners. And because of her extensive experience working with developers through the Chamber of Commerce, I am convinced that she understands how to work with government agencies to streamline business permitting and get the housing we need built.

She has already built the relationships needed to balance the needs of Lake County residents ranging from business owners to unhoused community members and farmers to members of the Pomo tribe. As a result, she will be ready to address our needs from the moment she is elected.

In conclusion, I believe that Laura McAndrews Sammel is the right choice for the District 4 supervisor seat. Her understanding of our district's financial needs, her commitment to maintaining and enhancing vital services, and her leadership in business advocacy and human resources make her an excellent candidate for this position.

I urge all District 4 voters to support Laura in the upcoming election. Who we elect as supervisor will impact all District 4 residents for the next several years.

Cyndy Forbes lives in Lakeport, California.