Russ Steele
[My friend Russ Steele, among his many activities, is also a climate change skeptic, blogger (The Next Grand Minimum), retired Air Force officer, and a Nevada County native. His former blog on local affairs and national issues was NC Media Watch, which I have unsuccessfully tried to get him to ressurrect. In the interval he is always welcome on these pages.]
In the 1990s four liberals, who had a major influence on the future economy of the county, controlled the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. They put in place land use regulations and zoning that made it very difficult for big box and name brand stores to locate in Nevada County. Now those stores and associated tax dollars are locating on the southern border of the County, luring customers from local stores.
We could end up with another liberal controlled Board of Supervisors if we do not pay attention. We once had a very strong conservative Board, but John Spencer was not paying attention and let Terry Lamphier and his lefty team of volunteers out smart him.
John was confident, too confident, that he was going to win re-election, and did not run a strong campaign. From past experience, it was clear that Grass Valley voters respond well when candidates walk their neighborhoods and greet them one-on-one. Terry Lamphier had a strong team of left leaning strategists and volunteers, plus he dedicated himself to walking District 3 neighborhoods.
Fran Cole, a liberal lawyer, has announced she is running in the 4th District against Hank Weston, and is counting on support from middle of the road, environmental and progressive supporters. Fran has been establishing a support base in our local liberal community. She has been a member of the Land Trust Board since 2007, and has served as a director at the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition, and a volunteer at Sammie’s Friends.
Candidate Cole recently announced that she has made it through a competitive application process and has been accepted to Emerge California, a seven-month leadership-training program for women Democratic candidates. According to their web site, Emerge California is one of the premier political leadership training programs for women in the nation, and the alumnae who have run for office, 68% have won, including every single alumna on the ballot in November 2013.
With a well financed and managed competitor, this is going to be a strong challenge for Hank Weston, and he needs to develop a strong support team. Every District has a unique challenge, in District 3 it was house to house canvassing. District 4 covers Penn Valley, North San Juan, Rough & Ready, Lake Wildwood, Spenceville, and unincorporated areas along Highways 20 and 49. That is a lot of rural neighborhoods to walk, so there has to be a better method for reaching and convincing District 4 voters he is still the best leadership choice. Hank had better figure out how he is going to be more effective than his highly trained woman competitor if he wants to stay in office. Just being a Republican in a strong Republican district will not be enough this time.
rebanesruminations.com 
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