Comments on Three Recent Developments in Tuolumne County
FEMA Funding – On February 8, Tracey Peterson reported that FEMA was providing Tuolumne with FEMA funding. This funding is thanks to President Biden’s leadership and the Democratic congress’ work during 2021-2022.
CAL Fire Training – On February 9, 2023 Tracy Peterson reported on myMotherLode.com that CAL Fire was engaging in specialized training to prepare for fire season. All of us can, and should, thank President Biden and the Democratic Party for funding the Rural Fire Capacity Grant Program. This federal grant program allows California to provide local and rural fire departments with minor firefighting, training, communications and safety equipment for their volunteer firefighters. Because of President Biden’s leadership CAL Fire is preparing to stop the ‘new normal’ of wildfires in the age of climate change.
Funding for Visit Tuolumne County (VTC) – On February 21, 2023 B.J. Hansen reported on myMotherLode.com that the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors met to discuss cutting VTC funding from $1.75 million to approximately $500,000. Visit Tuolumne County CEO Lisa Mayo said that every dollar from Transient Occupancy Tax invested into VTC creates $10 in local tax revenue. I fully agree with District Five Supervisor Jaron Brandon who “flatly stated that he would not support any type of funding cuts.” For the life of me, I can’t understand what types of questions District Two Supervisor Ryan Campbell or District Three Supervisor Anaiah Kirk have. District One Supervisor David Goldemberg’s opposition must be purely ideological. This doesn’t seem like a problem that needs a solution. It appears as though the TOT is properly funding the VTC and the returns are 10:1. I don’t understand why anyone wants to tinker with something that is working.