Letter: Jeffrey Spencer for Supervisor, District 5

In March 2022, the county group known as Residents for Tahoe conducted interviews with the four candidates vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5. After each candidate left, the panelists discussed and scored the answers to each of the six questions.

As one of the panelists, I have come to the conclusion that the scores don’t lie, and Jeffrey Spencer, with the highest score, is the choice for Supervisor.

The Tahoe Mountain News has also concluded this, for many of the same reasons, and I agree with all of the assertions in the TMN’s endorsement.

First, is that yes, he does outclass all of the candidates with knowledge, intelligence, experience, organization, confidence, and just being well-spoken. Another is that his experience in transportation will be a huge benefit when addressing the problems with tourist traffic in Meyers and Pollock Pines. This is an issue of utmost importance that the locals want to be solved, immediately, if not sooner. Next is his stance on VHRs. Jeffrey Spencer is the only candidate that believes they do not belong in residential neighborhoods. This is what our group has been working towards, and is the number one issue of livability in this county. Another very important point is that Jeff will work within the TRPA to address the Tourist Accommodation Unit issue, and why they don’t apply to VHRs. TAUs were meant to regulate the number of visitors and could be an important tool to get the tourist population under control.

Jeff understands basic zoning principles, and why hotels don’t belong in neighborhoods and will affect change at all levels of government to achieve that goal.

My belief is that the candidate that takes these issues seriously is the candidate that wins, and that is Jeff. The county locals that understand that enough tourists are enough, will assure a win for Jeff. After eight long years of virtually no local representation, it is time for a fresh mind, someone that has not held office, not accepted contributions from developers, realtors, or chambers, someone that understands county issues, someone that has the energy, time and enthusiasm to represent the locals, that is Jeffrey Spencer for Supervisor District 5.

Tim Coolbaugh
Meyers