Reader input: Letters continue to weigh in on Placer County Board of Supervisors race

Editor's note: This report has been edited to add two letters to the editor. Dear Editor, As an Auburn resident, I fully support Cindy Gustafson for Placer County Supervisor. My husband and I moved to Auburn 23 years ago to raise our family with the intention of being active and involved members of the Auburn community we all love so much. We volunteered in the schools, I served on the Auburn Unified School District Board, and we continue to take part in local leadership and community events. We feel giving back and serving our community is the most important thing we can do to enrich the lives of those around us. I recently heard Cindy speak about her public service journey. Cindy's parents served on local boards and as such, Cindy views public service as an honor and sees her position as that of duty to her community. Prior to joining the Placer County Board of Supervisors, Cindy served on many local and state boards, including eight years on the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Board of Trustees and was appointed to the State Fish and Game Commission and the Marine Life Protection Act Commission. We're truly lucky to have a supervisor with this level of experience. Cindy has integrity and can be trusted to work hard for all the residents of Placer County. Cindy deserves your vote, and she has mine. Vote Gustafson for Placer County District 5 Supervisor! Lashaun Byer Auburn Quite an endorsement for PUHSD candidate Hamm Dear Editor, Talk about endorsements! Outgoing Placer Union High School District Board Member Casey Jeffreys is endorsing candidate Gayle Hamm to replace him when his two-year term ends. In a public statement Jeffreys said, "I support Gayle because her vision of our district is in line with the future that I see as the current PUHSD trustee. She will be an amazing trustee for our Colfax and surrounding schools' future, creating a safe and vibrant learning environment." Jeffreys' endorsement follows similar support from Placer Union High School teachers, previous school superintendents and principals as well as Scott Owens, retired Placer County District Attorney, and retired Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner. As a teacher at Colfax High School for 29 years, I observed Ms. Hamm's hard work in supporting our school and its students. Hamm is a retired occupational therapist and mother of three Colfax High School graduates. She has a long history of community service, including being president of the CHS Grad Night for seven consecutive years. Her work was essential in keeping CHS graduates safe. Vote for Gayle Hamm as PUHSD board member for District 1. Sincerely, Rick Brown Meadow Vista Landowner impressed with Gustafson Placer County Supervisor District 5 has two candidates running for this non-partisan position. I had the pleasure of meeting Cindy Gustafson, one of two candidates running for Placer County Supervisor District 5, shortly after she was unanimously appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 2019, following the vacancy left by Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery. Jennifer resigned her position to accept an appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom. Shortly after her appointment, I reached out to Supervisor Gustafson because of challenges we faced to make our 10 acres more resistant to wildfires. She took time to meet with us in person, to discuss and to learn more about our problem. I was highly impressed with her understanding of the issues and the concern she expressed. In her frequent newsletters, Cindy explains status of issues important to all of us in Placer County. Recent newsletters commented on: * $24 million grant from CalPUC, for expansion of broadband, to better serve remote areas. * Recent wildfires have been very costly to home and business owners; her office initiated a resolution requesting emergency action for homeowners and commercial property insurance. * She participated in Placer's first annual Forestry Tour to showcase forestry projects along the I-80 corridor, with a focus on high fire risk area. * And many others. Regardless of your political views, I urge you to re-elect incumbent Cindy Gustafson. Ron Paitich Auburn Nader listens, cares about rural Placer communities I am supporting Wayne Nader for District 5 Board of Supervisors (BOS). Wayne is running against incumbent Cindy Gustafson, who is heavily supported by developer money and needs to be replaced. I have attended BOS and planning department meetings. I read the agendas and the supporting documents. There is significantly more development planned for Auburn after the election, especially in the Auburn Bowman area, where 1,004 units have already been projected. Infill properties in existing neighborhoods have been rezoned to high density just this year. In addition, the city of Auburn has been planning the redevelopment of their city core to a Form Based Code, mixed-use zoning that will include up to three stories of residential units above commercial shops. This overall growth will change the character of Auburn both city and county. It will increase traffic and impact sewer, water and local services. We need a supervisor who is not compromised to oversee and monitor this ambitious plan for growth. The Housing and Community Development (HCD) has rules that discourage concentrating high-density, low-income housing causing disparity in one area. Additionally, Auburn is already burdened with a large homeless population. All of Placer County should share the responsibility. I am including this information in hopes the public will see the importance of voting for candidates who are not beholden to developers, believe in sensible growth and will not allow the mistakes of previous supervisors to be pushed into rural areas. With Wayne Nader elected, we will be one step closer to having a Board of Supervisors who listen to the people and genuinely care about the health of Placer County's rural communities. Jill Phillips Auburn Johnson a 'common-sense leader' for Rocklin Unified As the former superintendent of the Rocklin Unified School District, I am endorsing Price Johnson for our school board because he deeply understands and supports the role of parents, educators and the community working together to ensure educational excellence. I have seen firsthand how essential parental involvement is to the success of our students. Parents who actively participate in their children's education — whether as classroom volunteers, field trip chaperones, members of the Parent-Teacher Club or by serving on the Site Council — play a crucial role in creating a thriving school environment. It truly takes a community to ensure our schools excel, and parents are a vital part of that community. Price Johnson is a perfect example of a parent who has gone above and beyond in his commitment to both his children's education and the broader needs of our district. After speaking with educators and staff, I know Price has taken on every role available, from volunteering in classrooms to engaging in leadership initiatives that strengthen our schools. His dedication is tireless, and his willingness to step up wherever needed has earned him the respect of community members, educators and fellow parents alike. Price Johnson's deep involvement and passion for the betterment of our schools make him the ideal candidate for the Rocklin Unified School District Board of Trustees. He will ensure fiscal accountability, support the work of staff and expand opportunities for our students. I hope you'll join me in voting for Price Johnson, a common-sense leader who will put the best interests of the students above all else. Respectfully, Kevin Brown Former Superintendent, RUSD Couple supports Gustafson Auburn Journal Editor, My husband Tim Sands and I fully support Cindy Gustafson for Placer County Supervisor. Tim's family has deep roots in this community dating to before the Gold Rush. I'm a newcomer by Auburn's definition, having moved here in November 2020 after Tim and I became engaged. I have been deeply involved with Auburn activities ever since, including the Amgen Bike Tour of CA, Leadership Auburn Class of 2012, Faith & Fantasy Committee since 2012, Sutter Auburn Faith Board Member for 9 years, Auburn State Board Member since 2014 and currently serve as the Executive Director of the Auburn State Theatre since January 2023. It is my passion to help with important causes that support our community and to build partnerships to make them as successful as possible. Cindy Gustafson shares this passion. Before becoming the District 5 County Supervisor, Cindy was involved with the Tahoe City Beautification Project, Excellence in Education Foundation and she was a founding board chair of the Tahoe Fund. Since joining the Board of Supervisors in 2019, Cindy has been adopted by Auburn as one of our own. Cindy is everywhere in Auburn and has a strong following of leaders from Auburn who join me in supporting Cindy. She advocates strongly for Auburn on issues such as supporting the State Theatre's Restoration Project and advocating for the success of the Gold Country Fairgrounds. She is endorsed by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, of which I am an individual member. Please join Tim and me in voting for Cindy Gustafson for Placer County Supervisor. Tim & Colleen Sands Auburn Trucking association thanks Kiley Dear Editor, Independent truckers are an integral part of our supply chain, and the industry has relied upon them since interstate trucking's inception. The opportunities and flexibility of this arrangement give truckers the ability to control their own schedules, set their own routes and run their own small businesses. It is disappointing, therefore, that this employment model chosen by 350,000 Americans has come under unprecedented attack at the state and federal levels. Fortunately, independent truckers have a steadfast advocate in their corner: Congressman Kevin Kiley. The California Trucking Association was proud to formally recognize Congressman Kiley as a Trucking Champion for his outspoken and effective defense of independent truckers. From sponsoring legislation to amplifying the voices of those whose livelihoods are in jeopardy, Congressman Kiley has gone above and beyond. We thank Congressman Kiley for his unwavering support for truckers and for fighting to preserve hardworking Americans' right to earn a living. Sincerely, Eric Sauer Chief Executive Officer, California Trucking Association Sacramento Hull endorsed for re-election with NID I endorse NID Director Karen Hull for re-election. She has provided solid leadership to the Nevada Irrigation District during difficult times. She helped NID navigate difficult financial and infrastructure issues while supporting NID's top-notch public engagement process, Plan for Water. Please support Karen Hull for NID Director, Division 3. Bob Branstrom Grass Valley