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Dan Hamburg has committed to positions on issues that matter to Mendocino.
I’m running for the office of Fifth District supervisor. The Fifth District has consistently elected intelligent progressives—Norman deVall, Charles Petersen, and David Colfax are all in that tradition. My experience in government, and as an advocate for environmental and social justice, makes me uniquely qualified to serve as your representative on the Board of Supervisors.
OUR ASSETS
· Mendocino County has more organic acreage than any county in the nation.
· Mendocino County has the most biodynamic acreage in the state
· Mendocino County has more artists per capita than anywhere else in the nation
· Mendocino County boasts more houses “off the grid” per capita than anywhere else in the nation.
· Mendocino County is the first county in the nation to ban the growing and production of genetically modified crops and animals (GMOs).Let’s build upon these resources. We have the ingenuity, the will and the heart to create a vibrant
and more prosperous County. All that’s stopping us is our own imagination.
POSITIONS BUILD A STRONGER LOCAL ECONOMY We will create jobs together as we build a self-sufficient model that celebrates what we do best in Mendocino County. We will emphasize local economics by buying local and establishing stronger incentives for local contracting. We will promote food localization and boost our growing reputation as leaders in green technology. Mendocino County’s vineyards and wineries, as well as its breweries, are a source of pride wealth and jobs, and are national leaders in organic and biodynamic production. Organic food production is expanding throughout Mendocino County with some 200 organic farms covering nearly 8,000 acres – that puts us in a great position to take advantage of one the fastest growing markets in the nation. FOOD: We care passionately about the source of our food. We care passionately about supporting our local farmers and the health of our land. Together, we will build Mendocino County’s new rural economy plank that includes Re-localizing Mendocino County's Farm Economy. Read more... GREEN TECHNOLOGY: Companies like Real Goods and Advance Power put Mendocino on the national map as the leader in solar installation over the past three decades. Now Mendocino County has more “off-the-grid” homes than any other county. We are nationwide leaders in solar, wind and non-fossilized energy production. And we’re at the national epicenter for sustainable forestry models, building and designing cob and rammed-earth homes and creating thriving companies with carbon-neutral footprints. Read more... BUY LOCAL: We need to keep our dollars here, circulating in our local economy. For every dollar spent at a local business, 45 cents is reinvested locally. For every dollar spent at a large corporate chain, only 11 cents is reinvested locally. Read more... PROTECT OUR COAST / OUR FISHERIES We are the stewards of a pristine coastline and landscape of incalculable beauty and wealth. Protecting the coast is the responsibility of us all, but the two coastal supervisors must take the lead.
CONSERVE OUR WATER The way we care for our water resources is key for the future health of our economy. The 5th District is comprised of 7 watersheds (Russian, Navarro, Little, Big, Albion , Garcia, Gualala) not one of which is in robust health. We will work with all stakeholders to improve the health and productivity of our watersheds. RESTORE FISCAL STABILITY As your Supervisor, I pledge to take the same pay cut as county employees and will encourage others to do the same. The County faces a shortfall of $8 million over the next 18 months. That’s the biggest fiscal challenge the county has ever faced. But it’s worth noting we are not alone. The federal government is $14 trillion (!) in the red. The state faces a $40 billion budget deficit. Even Sonoma County -- our well-heeled neighbor to the south – is being forced to make more than $30 million in cuts over the next year and half. Read more... INVEST IN COMMUNITY VITALITY AND SAFETY As Supervisor, I will serve on the Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG), which disburses county transportation funds state and federal government. MARIJUANA I am a member of the Mendocino County Medical Marijuana Advisory Board (MMMAB). I was a steering committee member on the No On Measure B campaign. Measure B's plant limits were recently struck down by the California Supreme Court. Whether you like marijuana or not, it is our number one cash crop generating several times more income than timber and grapes combined. Bottom line: marijuana can and should be taxed and regulated just like any other agricultural product. |
*See my PUBLISHED ARTICLES for these issues and more*
I have decades of experience in politics—including
terms on the Mendocino County
Board of Supervisors and the United States Congress.
I’ve worked on many campaigns
for environmental and social justice on
the local, state and federal level.
We are painfully aware of looming budget
overruns in our state and county. How can
we weather this storm AND come
out of the crisis with positive change upon which we can
build a better future? (Click here for an overview of how county
government works.)
We have the capacity—with our rich resources
and pool of human ingenuity—to thrive
and to lead. We are fortunate
to live here, perhaps now more than ever.
I also want to hear from you, to hear what your concerns are: Contact me here.
Vote for Dan Hamburg 5th District Supervisor in the June Primary Election!