The Del Norte County Republican Party (DNCRP) has made their endorsements official for the November election supporting candidates for local offices.
Endorsements went to Roger Gitlin (District 1), and Bob Berkowitz (District 5) for County Board of Supervisors: Jason Greenough, Justin Williams and Heidi Kime for City Council, Frank Magarino (District 3) and Roger Daley (District 4) for Del Norte County’s School Trustees; Scott Feller and Wes White for Crescent City Harbor District; and John Pricer, Lyle Armstrong and Michael Clark for Smith River Fire Protection District.
Each candidate made a presentation to the DNCRP’s full Central Committee as the final step in a rigorous application process. The Central Committee agreed that in the Supervisor’s race our endorsed candidates have proved themselves as community leaders and are best qualified to make a real difference as Del Norte County strives toward a better future with respect to private property rights, air and land transportation, law and order, beautification, public health issues, privatization of public services where warranted, and development of strong cohesive families and communities. Our candidates centered on critical issues that are related to Last Chance Grade, the County’s roadway system in general, Sutter Coast Hospital, Crescent City Airport, Unified School District, the need for a stepped up blight removal process, the worsening vagrancy problem and associated implications, and especially the county’s declining economic condition.
With the rising potential for geographic isolation from California weighing on the minds of most Del Norte County residents and business owners, Supervisor Roger Gitlin’s leadership concerning a desperately needed route around Last Chance Grade has been pivotal. Moreover, his noteworthy leadership when dealing with various blight issues throughout the county showed what is possible when a County Supervisor is willing to “take the bull by the horns.” It was apparent to the Central Committee that Bob Berkowitz’ prior service on the Unified School District’s Board would complement a performance-based initiative undertaken by the Masonic Lodge three years ago to improve the quality of primary and secondary education in Del Norte County. Bob also brings significant experience to the table in terms of real estate law, business marketing, and information technology.
The Central Committee agreed that in the Crescent City Council race our endorsed candidates are best qualified to make a real difference in Crescent City, given such varied experiences as previous appointed service on the City Council, membership on the Planning Commission, owning and managing a remarkably successful business in Crescent City, and dedicated volunteer service to the community in general. As Crescent City strives toward a better future with respect to private property rights, reduction of downtown business vacancies, air and land transportation, law and order, beautification, public health issues, privatization of public services where warranted, and development of strong cohesive families and communities, we are confident our endorsed candidates for the City Council will continue to support and work together toward these ends. They are clearly centered on critical issues related to stepped up blight removal process, the worsening vagrancy problem and associated implications, and especially the City’s declining economic condition. As each candidate proposed solutions to the Central Committee, it became obvious to us that all three are deeply committed to developing a new City-wide vision, and that each is capable of leading institutional changes to achieve that vision. Of most significance and as a fresh team, they could weave the necessary changes together in a coordinated strategy that promotes definitive action. All three possess the necessary qualifications and personal attributes to lead Crescent City into a better future.
The Central Committee likewise endorsed candidates for the Crescent City Harbor Commission who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities over time. Each wants to make a real difference as the Harbor Board strives to make our beautiful Harbor a destination goal for visitors to Del Norte County, not just a chance pass-through opportunity. Both candidates expressed strong advocacy for promoting the Harbor’s vitality and seeking creative solutions to ensure that it remains a pivotal economic engine for this area.
In addition, the Central Committee found Frank Magarino and Roger Daley best qualified as candidate Trustees as they pursue election to the Del Norte County Unified School District Board. With so much at stake in an increasingly troubled world, we must rely upon our children and their teachers to build this nation’s highway for what happens next. The Central Committee believes that Frank and Roger are the right choices.
Finally, the Central Committee agreed that our three endorsed candidates for the Smith River Fire Protection District Board are best suited to ensure that the excellent fire protection and suppression services already provided to the Townships of Smith River and Hiouchi continue. We have come to know these individuals over time, and believe Messrs. Pricer, Armstrong, and Clark are critical to these tasks.
To print a full list to take to the polls visit: http://www.delnorterepublicans.org/2016_election
