May 30, 2022 - A few years ago my friend John Schroeder and I realized the potential impact the growing tree mortality disaster could have to our forested communities. John likened it to “a slow motion train wreck”. It appeared to us that it would most likely exceed the available County level resources available mitigate the public safety and fire risks, so we appealed to Supervisor Rosemarie Smallcombe to pursue a path for help, a County Disaster Declaration. She listened … and acted! Which led to the formation of a multi-agency and private citizen committee to promote intra-agency coordination and resulted in the recommendation for a Mariposa County Disaster Declaration. Rosemarie continued to collaborate with neighboring foothill counties to do the same. They did, which was escalated to the State level and resulted in the Governor’s Office Statewide Disaster Declaration providing much of the funding and agency assistance to county level dead/dying tree removal.
During her tenure as District 1 Supervisor, Rosemarie has consistently listened and acted to constituent concerns and issues. She responded to a proposed Oak Road bridge reconstruction threatening removal of heritage oak trees on a Scenic Highway and working with Public Works to encourage the project re-design. When the abandoned Muir Lodge structure fire occurred, Rosemarie listened to constituent requests for fire abatement action, and acted by encouraging the property owner to abatement action. These are just a couple of recent examples of the many things Rosemarie has accomplished on behalf of residents of District One.
I believe Rosemarie’s ability to listen and act, collaborate with citizens and agencies, bring resolution to issues, is a skill set she acquired from her career working at the intersection of business and government. We are fortunate to have her experience and abilities as a Supervisor. Proven leadership that listens and acts to solve issues is needed to meet todays and future challenges for our County. Please re-elect Rosemarie Smallcombe for District One Supervisor.
Gary FranciscoMidpines, CA
