Fourth District Supervisor James Gore spoke at the Windsor Democratic Club on July 27. With a tone of informality, the 39-year-old Gore, who will become the board’s chair in January, gave some insight into the broad range of issues he faces daily.
From complaints about potholes, meetings with constituents, to passing the current county budget, he said he enjoys the challenges of his position. He noted that the recently passed county budget provides more funding for road improvements than any other county in the state.
He expressed hope that the 12-cent-per-gallon state gas tax increase will provide additional funding for accelerating the rebuilding of deteriorating county roads. Gore is considering proposing a measure to require a six-month-per-year residency requirement for county homes to counteract the increase in vacation homes.
Any proposed action is being considered and formulated, but he said he sees this type of approach as a possible partial solution to the housing dilemma facing the county and the entire state.
He discussed the development of the Chanate Road property, calling the approved project imperfect, but noting that 69 acres of the 85-acre site will be preserved as green space.
Lessons learned from the Chanate process will be implemented as the board begins the development process of the former Sonoma County Water Agency parcel on West College Avenue, which the county has purchased.
Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins leads the exploration of uses for this property, which is within her district. Gore said that a workforce housing component, possibly for area teachers, is receiving serious consideration.
On the political front Gore continues to encourage people to get involved and to consider running for elected office. He hopes to see more women and Latinos running for positions, and is open to meeting and mentoring potential candidates.
He said he hopes that the trend of younger candidates continues although he cited the challenge for those interested in serving on city councils or school boards, as the workload and involvement is great with a very low salary, making it necessary for all but those in retirement or with independent funding to have other employment.
Gore said he hopes to bring together the many nonprofit organizations doing great work on significant county problems, notably homelessness and the environment. He hopes to facilitate increased communication and coordination between organizations working in parallel in these areas.
Along with the newly formed Cloverdale Democratic Club, the Windsor Democratic Club is co-sponsoring a presentation by State Senator Mike McGuire on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Cloverdale Vets Building. For all club details visit www.windsordemocrats.org.
