Inyo County Second District candidates face off at forum
Smith, Griffiths address local issues
Incumbent Inyo County Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths and challenger Laura Smith answered more than a dozen questions about their views on the pressing issues and possible solutions facing Inyo County during a Jan. 25 candidate night in Bishop.
Both are well-known in the Bishop area. Griffiths served two terms on the Bishop City Council and is in his third, four-year term as a county supervisor. Smith served on the Bishop City Council for 12 years. Both have extensive experience as volunteers in a large number of local organizations and nonprofits.
The second district includes all of the city of Bishop and some outlying areas.
In many instances, both agreed in broad terms about the issues facing the county. However, they differed on such issues as a potential deep pit gold mine on Conglomerate Mesa, LGBT issues, a bypass or truck route around Bishop, and
INDEX QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse.”
– Florence Nightingale addressing impacts in the Buttermilks bouldering area.
Generally, Griffiths provided answers with more details and specifics about past and current county polices and a wider range of potential solutions, as could be expected from an incumbent officeholder.
The two answered questions they had been provided before the evening by the event sponsor, Inyo 350, and then responded to questions taken from the audience. About 80 people attended the event, which was held in the auditorium at the First United Methodist Church in Bishop.
Bringing in business The first question was in what ways could the county help attract new businesses and support existing businesses.
Smith said “teamwork” between the county, the city and the Bishop Chamber of Commerce would be critical, as would getting public input about what they want and need. Inviting prospective businesses on tours and using chamber of commerce studies and data to convince businesses to move here would also be part of the effort. One example of how to support existing businesses is to have events and nonprofits highlight local products and services.
Griffiths noted the role of government does not involve telling what businesses can come to the area or turning away others. The recent California Jobs First Program is being implemented in Inyo,
Mono and Alpine counties, which will help local businesses. The Small Business Development Center office nearing completion will help businesses, start-ups and established, with loans, planning and other resources.