Full house for eighth and final city council candidate forum

Local public safety employees hosted the eighth and final South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates' forum on October 25 at Lake Tahoe Community College.

It was a full house at the event which was hosted by the South Lake Tahoe Police Officers, the California Nurses and the South Lake Tahoe Firefighters associations and gave everyone a chance to hear from the nine candidates about their views before the November 6 election. Each association gave them two questions a piece, plus a couple asked by audience members during the two-hour long forum.

"I hope the involvement numbers equal big numbers at the polls," said moderator Scott Blosser of the firefighter's association. He said he's been impressed with the amount of community involvement in the current election.

The following are two answers from each candidate to some of the questions asked. For the full forum, visit - https://youtu.be/dTskJjUehic.

What will you do to help with increasing respect of police as well as recruitment and retention of police officers in South Lake Tahoe?

Devin Middlebrook said it was "complicated" and he didn't see SLT being able to compete with larger communities but the city can attract those who want to be in the Sierra for recreation and the mountains. He said the current housing stock may prevent those interested from finding a home to live in.

Austin Sass replied he wanted to get the unions and finance department together to go over the budget so they can see there isn't any money for long term funding of higher wages and more positions. Sass said the City has to take the issue to the voters for sustainable funding of public safety.

Tamara Wallace said to change the culture of anti-police sentiments that may be out there, an engaging school resource officer is needed at the middle and high schools. Education is also key in this situation. For retention and pay, Wallace said the City needs to get the stakeholders together to look at solutions.

With 70 percent of the cities in California having a moratorium or ban on cannabis, why is South Lake Tahoe becoming so pot friendly?

Patrick Jarrett said the City should have had regulations in place a long time ago so they could start taxing and getting income.

Cody Bass said the City Council failed in their process for an ordinance as they didn't include cannabis industry leaders on the subcommittee that gave Council recommendations.

"Council took responsibility and took it slow" as they educated themselves on the subject according to Wendy David. She said they came up with the "best and most professional ordinance" as they worked through the process that would least affect children.

Tom Davis said the cannabis ordinance wasn't about making money, it was about doing it right. "I am concerned about the long-term health effects," he said.

Why should health care workers support you as a candidate?

Hal Cole said his parents helped create Barton Hospital. "We are very fortunate as a small town to have such a quality hospital," he said.

Bruce Grego said he supported when they were picketing and gathering signatures. He said to get vacation home rentals out of the picture so nurses can live in neighborhoods, locals can live in neighborhoods and support the hospital.

Devin Middlebrook said he will bring new ideas and diversity to the community, expand current services and unique businesses. "I am here to represent," he said.

Austin Sass joked that he helps support the hospital with his active lifestyle. "I have had ten orthopedic surgeries and there is a good chance I'll be back," he said. Sass said his leadership and experience on council enables him to address issues that will help nurses like bringing housing to the community.

Are you for use of eminent domain at the U.S 50 Revitalization project area (Loop Road)?

Wendy David said it was one tool that could be in their tool box, but most owners and renters are in favor of leaving their blighted properties. "Hope we don't need to use it," she said.

Tamara Wallace said her view is a hard "No." She said the Loop Road decision should be left to the voters.

Cody Bass agreed in leaving the decision of the project to the voters. He reminded people that the Grand Jury said the City was irresponsible on use of eminent domain in the past. "Let the voters decide," he said.

Patrick Jarret said he liked Cody's idea and he is not a fan of the Loop Road.

Bruce Grego said he does not support eminent domain.

Hal Cole said the Loop Road will create amazing changes for the community and the same issues aren't present that were when "the hole" was locked in some eminent domain situations. He said he was in favor of eminent domain if needed as there is too much invested in the Loop Road to not go forward.

Tom Davis said he is not a fan of eminent domain, and the Loop Road has to benefit both California and Nevada to get his support.

- South Tahoe Now Staff Report