Board of Supervisor candidates speak about the environment

Source: KSBY 6 Action News
Reported by: Amber Lee
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

SAN LUIS OBISPO

Three of the five San Luis Obispo County supervisors are up for election. Each supervisor represents one of five districts in the county.

Districts 1, 3 and 5 will vote June 3.

Frank Mecham is running against incumbent Harry Ovitt in District 1.

In District 3, Adam Hill is looking to take Jerry Lenthall's seat.

And Debbie Arnold is facing off against current 5th District Supervisor James Patterson.

With the election more than a month away, voters had a chance to hear what County Board of Supervisor candidates thought about the environment.

On the heels of Earth Day, with topics like global climate change and land preservation still fresh in the minds of many, the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County, also known as ECOSLO, held an environmental issue debate with some of the candidates running for supervisor seats.

They asked what each candidate feels is the most important environmental concern for San Luis Obispo county.

"For me, it's growth. And my feeling is that we can grow in a way that doesn't necessary have adverse impacts on the environment," said Jim Patterson, District 5 candidate.

"Growth is something that's going to be at us, in front of us, every time," said Harry Ovitt, District 1 candidate.

But others feel differently.

"I think maybe the most important environmental concern we have is our water resources," said Debbie Arnold, District 5 candidate.

"I think water, which has been a problem in this state basically from the beginning, will continue to be a major challenge for us," said Adam Hill, District 3 candidate.

One candidate gave an example of a current water controversy taking place in the county.

"I think arguably some may not think it was a good idea, but I stand firm behind it, is the Nacimento Water Project," said Frank Mecham, District 1 candidate.

The forum also focused on agriculture development projects, to simplifying the county's zoning maps.

Once elected, county supervisors are committed to not only enhance the economic and social quality of life in the county, but for the environment as well.

All candidates for county supervisor were invited to the forum, but only supervisor Jerry Lenthall declined to participate.