Candidates
state and county level as well as through the California Coastal Commission, and while there could be potential “great” impacts, Wilson is also aware of the negatives stemming from the project as well.
“I'm committed to working to leverage every benefit we can drive from this. Whether it's jobs, infrastructure, housing, whatever it can be and to minimize every potential impact that we could possibly have, both environmentally and socially and culturally,” Wilson said.
Gomez Jr. states his attraction to the idea of renewable energy stems from natural resources but he also states hesitation to the magnitude of the project. Gomez urged testing to make sure the potential damage to the ecosystem doesn't outweigh the benefits to the economy.
“The largest turbines in the deepest waters of anywhere in the world will be used. One of the actual turbines themselves will be the size of a semi-truck and they'll be in the deepest waters and the potential for that to affect our wildlife and the whales, birds,” Gomez Jr. said. “I really feel we need to use caution about anything that is experimental. We live in such a delicate ecosystem that something like this could be detrimental but could also bring some very positive results as well. Testing is what I really want.”
Homelessness
Both candidates were asked if they were for or against homeless encampments being swept and if they were against, explain their position.
Gomez Jr. pushed back against the sweeps, instead urging “relocating.”
“Sweep has kind of a negative connotation to it and I feel that if the right people are on the ground meeting with homeless people, and figuring out if they want help, need help and if they know where the services are that can help them,” Gomez Jr said. “This isn't a law enforcement issue, this is, again, a mental health issue and a social welfare issue.”
The relocation, he said, acts the same duty but without the element of law enforcement in the area.
Wilson says that the district needs to provide more services for those dealing with homelessness, citing limited funding. Wilson didn't directly speak on the sweeps themselves, while giving words of praise to groups around the district such as Arcata House PArtnership, for their work keeping citizens in their houses and also the safe parking project for those living in vehicles.
“The wraparound services that are provided by the Arcata House at The Grove has immensely reduced the amount of service required by our police and emergency rooms,” Wilson said.
The forum can be found on KEET's YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Guz5yEP-f-Q.