Issues For 2000 And Beyond

By Michael P. "Mike" Ryan

-There are several issues that I am passionate about in accordance with our County Mission Statement-

Water is the lifeblood of our region, and it is up to local communities to develop local solutions with local controls. This includes developing new water sources and expanding our current supply. I believe that my leadership and policies have been tested in these areas. I have been working with North County water users and the city of San Luis Obispo to forge partnerships, which could eventually facilitate the Nacimiento Water Pipeline and the possible expansion of the Santa Margarita Lake Dam.

We also face the dilema of an aging infrastructure system. Our roads, through time and severe weather conditions, have fallen into disrepair. This negatively impacts both the safety of our driving public and the ability of industry to conduct business effectively. We must continue to provide the necessary funds to be proactive in response to our infrastructure needs. In addition to repairing our infrastructure, we must continue working to produce maintenance schedules that will keep them in good condition. As your Supervisor, I have voted to restore the roads budget that had been slashed by my predecessor (David Blakely). We now annually increase the funds that are desperately needed to repair and maintain our ailing transportation routes.

We also face challenges to the quality of life we all love here in San Luis Obispo County. Crime and public safety continue to be issues that face us every day. Our county is no stranger to the tragedies of natural disaster and brutal crimes. These matters can only be answered through strong leadership and vision. It is vital that we continue to adequately fund our Sheriff's Department and insure that they have the tools and personnel necessary to protect the public. I voted to put additional Sheriff's deputies on our streets and approved the purchase of new equipment and technology to assist them in protecting our communities. We must also support our county firefighters with sufficient funding, equipment and personnel so that they can do the job required of them. I have voted to increase the number of full-time firefighters in each county station, and I supported funding for new vehicles and firefighting equipment. In addition, because I saw the need for a comprehensive county approach to fire prevention, I became a member of the San Luis Obispo Fire Safety Council Board of Directors.

Our quality of life is largely based on this areas incredible natural environment and its abundance of open space and farmland. We must continue to strongly support all forms of agriculture to insure that it remains economically viable far into the future. This is the best way to stop conversions of agricultural land into urban use, and this will go a long way in protecting our county's distinct heritage. Through development of common sense planning procedures and strong leadership in our planning department, we can continue our progress toward well-planned growth. This is the best way to fully protect our open space and agriculture resources.

As a lifelong rancher and past President of the County Farm Bureau, I have worked tirelessly to insure that agriculture remains one of our stronges industries. I was proud to be on the Board when after years of public input and debate; we approved the Agriculture and Open Space element to our General Plan. We also appointed a new Planning Director who is truly balancing our county's economic needs with the need for environmental protection. I am a strong proponent of preserving open space, while at the same time respecting the rights of the property owner.

I take very seriously the call of our County Mission Statement to enhance the economic, environmental and social needs of our residents. I am dedicated to carrying out this mission through my involvement with the Economic Vitality Corporation, my commitment to agriculture and open space and my work with the Equal Opportunity Commission. I am very proud to serve as Fifth District Supervisor. I am committed to this county and our future, and know that together we can continue to make a positive difference.