Supervisor Candidate Sue Novasel: "The economy is our #1 issue"

South Tahoe Now sent a questionnaire out to all of the candidates for El Dorado County Supervisor. We will be posting them in the order received.

1)What do you see as the Number 1 issue facing residents of District 5?
The economy is our #1 issue. With one of the highest unemployment rate in California, we need to create new jobs. We need to build revenue and not just provide essential services but improve them. I have been on Lake Tahoe Unified School District’s Board of Education for over 11 years. It was in terrible financial shape when I was first elected. Since then, we have made enormous changes (even during this country’s Great Recession) which have lifted our schools out of the dark and into one of the best districts in our state. All of this would not have been possible without board cooperation for the common goals and a staff and community willing to support the projects (almost $100 million in construction alone). I am very proud of the changes that have occurred during my tenure on the board and I plan to make sure similar changes take place at the County once I am elected.

(2)What will you do to address this problem?
I believe in listening to the public rather than telling them what they need. By setting goals then budgeting to make those goals possible you get the job done. We have a very diverse district and need to be proactive in understanding what is needed and necessary in our communities. That means not sitting behind a desk but getting out and seeing what changes are needed. My job is to work to accomplish the best outcome I can with the respect and diligence deserving to our citizens.

(3)There seems to be a divide between west slope and east slope residents. Do you agree? If so, how will you address this?
There has always been what is described as the “great granite divide”. Honestly, I don’t know if it will ever completely change. However, with the new redistricting it is important to appreciate the different needs within our district. Meeks Bay does not have the same needs as Meyers or Pollack Pines. Everyone does, however, want better roads, dependable snow removal, fire protection and exceptional public safety. Fighting for District Five’s fair share of services is about building better relationships within the Board of Supervisors because the board has to work together or nothing will get done. We can’t let the “great divide” get in our way. I will keep the doors open to those throughout our District who need help and improve communications throughout our County to create the solution to better roads and superior services.

(4)Tell me about yourself and why you are qualified for this elected position? Please list your background in the community, education, committees, etc.

I grew up in Salinas, California – a 4th generation Californian (my ancestors were some of the first lettuce farmers in the Salinas Valley}. After moving to South Lake Tahoe in 1978, I graduated from Lake Tahoe Community College and the received a Bachelor’s degree from University of Nevada, Reno. I met my husband in Tahoe 32 years ago and together we raised 2 beautiful daughters, one of whom has come back to Tahoe to start her own business. I created Tahoe Dream Events, a wedding and event planning company, many years ago. For the past 30 years, I have been extremely involved within our community. I moved to Tahoe because I wanted to be engaged in recreation. Since a child, my family tent camped throughout California, hiking, biking and enjoying our state’s natural resources. I will strive to see various forms of recreation and our natural resources improved and promoted throughout the entire County.

It is important to point out that a County Supervisor is a board member – there are 4 other members. In order to get anything done, you must be able to communicate, compromise and co-exist with your fellow board members. Because of that, I feel that I have the most accomplished background available for this position.

Current positions:
•School Board Member – Lake Tahoe Unified School District (currently serving 3rd term – 11 years – past President of the Board)
•President - Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe
•Vice-President – Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care
•Secretary – South Lake Tahoe Wedding & Honeymoon Association
•Board member and former Government Affairs Committee member – Tahoe Chamber of Commerce
•Board member – Barton Hospital Foundation Community Advisory Committee

Past positions:
•Chair – Meyers Community Roundtable Committee
•Member – Meyers Community Plan Team (4 years)
•Member - 56 Acre (Lakeview Commons) Community Advisory Committee
•Member - TRPA’s Pathway 2007
•President – Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation
•Co-chair – Measure S Committee (the successful recreation bond in South Lake Tahoe that created the Ice Rink and Soccer Field at LTCC)
•Member – Board of Directors – Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club
•President – South Tahoe Swim Team
•President – Temple Bat Yam Board of Directors

(5)What can you bring to the table to make sure District 5 gets representation at the Board of Supervisors when there are other strong voices?

Make no mistake – I am a strong elected official and have been so for many years. I am a strong advocate for my constituents but also respect my fellow colleagues. This really is where experience matters. LTUSD is a good example of accomplishing major projects by having a board and staff that, although having various opinions, worked hard together for the right outcome. I do my homework, come prepared to meetings and keep an open mind before I make my decision. I have no doubt that that there will be an excellent working relationship between myself and the other Board of Supervisors members. I believe in goal setting and I will work towards accomplishing those goals with the other members of the board with strength and respect.

(6)Do you consider yourself a team player? Why?
I have always been a team player. I learned those team lessons (no”i” in team) when first playing competitive sports in school. Then I had to teach those lessons - the hard parts - to my children. I learned that: experiencing life together, whether during good or bad times, is much more rewarding in the end; that listening comes first - talking comes after you’ve learned something; and that compromise is not losing – it’s about everyone winning.

I carry those lessons with me every day – at home and in business.

(7)How will you reach out to your constituents if elected?
There are different needs throughout our large and vast district. I will hold annual town hall meetings in each area within the district – more if needed or requested. I will send a quarterly electronic newsletter to all voters who would like to be notified of current events. With different priorities within the subsets of our County, I am respectful of the different needs and will do my best to serve every area, mindful of their various issues.

(8)What do you want voters to know about you?
I am a good listener and will fight for my constituents. I am fiscally responsible and care about District Five’s quality of life. I work well with others, particularly on boards where good communication and respect is a requirement. I have never quit anything I have started and have never walked out of a meeting or refused to vote on a matter. I will be your full-time representative.

(9)If you could ask your fellow candidates a question, what would it be and what is your answer?
Do you think it is important to be a District V Supervisor who lives in an area from where over 80% of your constituents live? I do.