[env-trinity] Trinity Journal editorial: Resolutions for a better, stronger Trinity County

[Tom Stokely]

http://www.trinityjournal.com/opinion/editorials/article_b7ad066e-ae8b-11e5-b0e5-f38856b64bef.html

Resolutions for a better, stronger Trinity County
Posted: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:15 amThe recent snow and rain have provided a good start in an effort to refill the reservoirs and aquifers of the county in 2016. We can only hope Mother Nature continues this pattern, leaving a nice, deep snowpack in the mountains, particularly above Trinity Lake.But we have little control over that. We do have control over the myriad other issues facing Trinity County. With that in mind here are some New Year’s resolutions for 2016.Clean up the crime. The increased burglaries, vandalism and petty theft throughout the county have left many residents frustrated. While gathering evidence worthy of conviction is more time-consuming and exacting than the easy scuttlebutt and hearsay going around town, taking a bigger bite out of crime would make residents lives significantly better.Address the growing methamphetamine, heroin epidemic. The marijuana issue may consume county staff time and get the bulk of the headlines, but use of both meth and heroin, by all accounts and following a nationwide trend, are on the upswing locally.Watch attempts to steal more Trinity water. This is a never-ending issue for us in Trinity County, but recent recommendations to keep more water in Lake Shasta means the Bureau of Reclamation and others will be looking toward Trinity to make up whatever shortfall results. Setting a minimum pool level for Trinity Lake would be helpful. Compensation for additional water going over the hill or water being resold even better.Defining leadership. This may prove to be an interesting political season with three supervisorial positions up for election and a new county administrative officer to be hired. The makeup and philosophies of those four individuals will go a long way toward determining the future of Trinity County.Improve efforts to attract, retain, support businesses. Trinity County often stumbles when new businesses seek to locate or existing businesses seek to expand/rebuild. County officials need to be more welcoming to any business providing jobs. Expansion of employment opportunities will be key to the county’s growth and ability to provide services.
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