Third District County Supervisor

Paul Pitino
U.S. Army Veteran, former Labor Union Leader, former school teacher
Current Arcata City Council Member

The Sierra Club Redwood Chapter, North Group, sent a questionnaire
 to the candidates for County Supervisor.

Here are my responses.

1) How can Humboldt County government work with federal, state and local entities to solve regional environmental and economic problems—for example, the impaired fisheries of the Eel and Klamath rivers?

We need to lobby our state/federal representatives to un-dam the Klamath, and to close or restrict the hole in the Eel.  To me, there is no doubt that this has to be done.

2) Please comment briefly on the current General Plan Update process.

We need to get it done ASAP.  Whether it is Plan A or B or a Hybrid of the two -- I would be okay with either A or B or the Hybrid, assuming they haven't been re-labeled since I last looked at them.

3) How can the County best respond to the state-level Climate Action Initiative greenhouse gas targets? Should our private and public forestlands play a role in the emerging market for carbon credits?

Get the county employees on the bus using the universal pass system as HSU did with the Jack Pass.
I believe in setting a base-line in registering our carbon, but not selling now as it's not a known system as of yet.

4) How can Humboldt County improve protection of our beaches and dunes, and of wildlife such as the Western Snowy Plover? Can current Sheriff’s Department patrols be improved?

Shut down the Beach to vehicles!  The current Sheriff patrols both Clam Beach and Manila out of Eureka. Maybe a move to two part-timers (one from McKinleyville and one from Eureka) would be a solution.

5) Are our county parks meeting the outdoor-recreation needs of both locals and tourists?

NO!  We need a campground close to Arcata, maybe two, one in the Bottom area, and one in the Forest area.

6) Please describe your past efforts on behalf of the environment.

In 1996, I co-led the successful opposition to a large, approximately 1000 house development in the Arcata Bottom.  I was very publicly arrested at Headwaters while a Junior High teacher.  I have opposed all Ag-Land conversion as a City Councilman and supported all Arcata City Forest/Wetland inclusions into our City systems.  

 7) Why should the Sierra Club support your candidacy?

I have the experience and the track record to show who I am.  Since I don't take money from any person or organization, I am not under the influence of others … especially the politicians in the system above me. 

Ned Forsyth, Political Co-Chair for the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter, North Group, wrote:

North Group will be making recommendations to Redwood Chapter for political endorsements for the 2008 Board elections.  If you would like to be considered for Sierra Club endorsement, please take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire, and return it to me before 5 p.m. April 11, 2008. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your interest in public service.

I wrote to him:

Dear Ned,

Thanks for including me.  I do not take endorsements or money, nor am I running up ads or putting up signs.  I will answer your questions, and ask you to consider an Open Forum so that you can publicize who and what each of the candidates is, instead of just endorsing or anointing one person.  

Educate and let the voters decide!

Vote June 3rd for
Third District County Supervisor
Paul Pitino
Current Arcata City Council Member