Chris Crawford's 7 Point Plan for More Jobs and Better County Government

By Christopher Crawford

A detailed, 7-Point plan that describes what Chris Crawford will do as county supervisor to create good paying jobs and address a variety of important issues such as land use policy, watershed and waterflow restoration, harbor development, tourism, scholarships and improved delivery of county government services.

========== INTRODUCTION

I am the only candidate in the race for 1st District Humboldt County Supervisor to offer a detailed, written plan, instead of double talk. Look at my 7-point plan and decide if these ideas are better than those offered by other candidates in this campaign, and vote for the candidate that you believe will bring positive change.

The most important challenge facing Humboldt County today is improving the local economy to provide good paying jobs in order to stop the export of our youth because they can not make a living here. The $22 million Headwaters Mitigation Fund recently awarded to the County is a one-time opportunity to improve the local economy, but only if it is spent wisely, "leveraged" (made larger) by attracting private investment and grant funds, and not wasted on low return or risky ventures. Even better, County government could be more efficient and these ongoing savings could be directed to long term economic growth.

This 7-point plan is my vision for the future. It provides a detailed plan to improve the local economy and to make County government more efficient. The 7 points are listed below and explained in detail in this report:

Point 1 Starting and Growing Technology-Based Businesses

Point 2 Creating Jobs through Business Parks and Land-use Zoning

Point 3 Identifying Specialty Harbor Trade

Point 4 Improving Tourism

Point 5 High School Loans and Scholarships, with a Twist

Point 6 Restoring Water Flow and Watershed

Point 7 $5 to $10 Million Annual Savings from County Government Efficiency

Your comments, suggestions, gripes and input are welcome. More important, help in my campaign to make this plan a reality. Here's what you can do . . . let us use your name as an endorsement; put out a yard or business sign; tell your friends, family and neighbors; and make a campaign contribution. You can make a difference. Call, write or visit our Website (above) for more information, or to comment.

========= Point 1 Starting and Growing Technology-Based Businesses

There are several good plans to create jobs in Humboldt County. However, our elected officials do not focus on the best chance we have # starting and growing technology-based businesses. This lack of leadership made me decide to run for county supervisor.

I own a court management and technology company called Justice Served™ (http://www.justiceserved.com), so I understand the needs and opportunities of technology businesses. I am also the president of Redwood Technology Consortium, or RTC, (http://www.redwoodtech.org), representing the technology industry on the North Coast. The RTC has developed a detailed plan to improve technology job growth, which I have presented to various economic development groups and to the County Board of Supervisors. A full copy of the RTC report entitled "Tearing Down the Redwood Curtain: The Future of Technology on the North Coast" is available at my campaign Website (http://www.1stDistrict.com). A summary of the main points is listed below.

1. Technology-based Jobs Should be a High Priority -- Include local technology company representatives in economic planning efforts by the county, cities, chambers of commerce and other groups. The needs and problems of this group are special and cannot be second-guessed by those without a technology background. The RTC is a source to for industry representatives from technology-based local companies. It is foolish to spend Headwaters funds to attract jobs in the 21st Century without a strong technology plan.

2. Telecommunications "Infrastructure" -- Technology businesses need Internet access and computer connections which require improved telephone lines, satellite links, cable and other communications . . . these are called the telecommunications "infrastructure". Building this infrastructure will require money, but much less money than what is needed to improve our highways and railroads for current plans to create jobs. There are several funding options available to Humboldt County to address these telecommunication needs, including California telecommunications bond funding (already issued), federal rural telecommunications grants, and other sources.

3. Training -- The RTC can assist the University, community college, and other training groups to prepare a qualified workforce. Solid training in technology skills will provide local jobs for graduates of local schools.

4. Venture Capital -- Most technology companies can not get business loans as other companies do, because banks will not lend money for computers and software. To meet the financial needs of technology businesses, investment funds must be available or these companies will be forced to locate elsewhere. RTC recommends the development of either 1) a Small Business Development Investment Corporation which is generally funded by federal and state entities or 2) a "Capital Access Corporation" (CAC) # using both public funds and private capital to create the start-up and expansion capital to grow technology jobs. Option #2 (CAC), is an exciting opportunity to create a local "mutual fund" in which we could all invest to increase new businesses and jobs for the area.

5. High-Tech Cooperative Building # The good news is that there are current technology companies growing larger here on the North Coast. One or more of these companies could serve as a base to create a high-tech cooperative building in or near the City of Eureka, in which start-up technology companies could locate for better technology support. This building will attract new companies by offering cost savings for telecommunications; these new companies often need to work closely with other technology companies for support services.

6. Satellite Business Office -- Humboldt County should be better represented in the Silicon Valley or San Francisco Bay Area to promote local trade and attract new jobs. A County branch office could also serve as a conference office for visiting representatives from technology and trade related businesses.

In the past, Humboldt County relied on its rich natural resources and beautiful location to create our local economy. However, in the 21st Century we must look ahead to the kinds of jobs that do not need harbors and railroads, yet produce decent wages, and do not harm the environment . . . that industry is technology, and I am the only candidate for county supervisor with the background and skills to address technology-based job growth.

========= Point 2 Creating Jobs through Business Parks and Land-use Zoning

There are two important ways to encourage businesses to grow while respecting long-term land use goals. One is through zoning and another is through creation of "business parks". These two ideas are explained below:

ZONING Currently, Humboldt County has very little land designated for industrial use, except for certain locations on the harbor which are designated for trade or other marine use. This means that any other industrial businesses that wish to locate or expand here must go through a lengthy and expensive process of seeking land use changes before new jobs are created.

We should begin by identifying locations within the county (or cities) in which industrial land use fits best with surrounding land use zoning. By designating appropriate areas for industrial use, the County is promoting business and job growth. The County should provide the leadership and vision to establish solid land use policy that considers the needs of residents, maintenance of open space, and promotion of job growth to sustain our local economy.

BUSINESS PARKS There are several good examples of successful "business parks" and "industrial parks" inside and outside of Humboldt County. Usually these parks exist because a county or city worked closely with private enterprise to create a place where new or expanding businesses could locate without the hassles of fighting land-use issues or delays due to over-regulation. A key element of success is a tax break for those businesses that create new jobs.

The first step is to identify where the establishment of a business or industrial park fits best with countywide land use policy (see ZONING, above). The next steps vary depending upon the particular plan . . . I favor the appropriate zoning and tax incentives only, and allowing private developers to decide whether building a business or industrial park is profitable. Instead, other cities and counties have published competitive bidding to seek a particular developer who will customize a site with design, layout, and particular features such as telecommunications support to attract technology businesses.

No matter how a business or industrial park is established, the county (and other groups) should commit to reduce or waive taxes for those businesses that start or expand only if new jobs are created. It is important remember that businesses decide whether to locate or expand in a particular area based upon cost effectiveness. Often, businesses must seek land use zoning changes, causing building delays. This usually means that other locations with reduced delay are more favorably considered. Business and industrial parks solve this problem, and put business activities where they fit best with surrounding land use zoning.

========= Point 3 Identifying Specialty Harbor Trade

I am very much in favor of harbor development to promote trade in Humboldt County. Our future economic development and job growth should be based on the three "T"s: Technology, Trade and Tourism.

However, we must be realistic about our limitations. Traditional harbor trade usually relies on railroad connections and wide highway access for trucking. Traditional harbor trade on the Pacific Coast focuses on container cargo transported by ship or barge to-and-from other Pacific Rim countries; these containers are then transported to-and-from a harbor by rail and truck. However, Humboldt County has severe weather and geographic restrictions that make the maintenance of a railroad very difficult, and make road expansion difficult and potentially harmful to the environment. My fear is that building the railroads and expanding the highway will create sprawl and overcrowding.

Despite these limitations, we can compete with other Pacific Coast harbors in several respects, especially in our ability to get ships in and out of the harbor quickly as compared to other ports. We also have many wood product and wood processing resources here that make the export and import of timber a good business. Our dairy industry is another area for specialty trade, exporting butter fat and other dairy products overseas.

I do not have all the answers on this issue, but I am certain that we can get community input and advice from professionals on what specialized trade opportunities are best suited to our harbor. Once these areas are identified, we must commit funds (including Headwaters Funds) to market our harbor in the international marketplace. The harbor district leadership has done a good job addressing necessary improvements, especially the recent dredging of the entrance and channels. But no funding currently exists for marketing our harbor to attract the customers we need to promote job growth from harbor trade; this is a very competitive international market that we can not penetrate without a professional marketing effort.

========= Point 4 Improving Tourism

Tourism is a key element in the North Coast economy. Many are attracted to our natural resources, raw beauty, recreational activities, art and culture. Some say that we do not have a plan to improve tourism . . . in reality, we have several plans. However, there is very little coordination and follow-up with the various groups that are responsible to promote tourism. I propose several improvements to address this issue:

1. RELIABLE REVENUE SOURCE - the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau does not have a steady budget. Most of their revenue is derived from hotel bed taxes (called Transient Occupancy Taxes, or TOT), but the cities and county often spend this money on other priorities. I propose that a fixed percent of TOT be devoted to the Visitors Bureau to improve planning and programs. The Visitors Bureau could then be held accountable to follow through with the various tourism improvement programs.

2. MARKETING - some of the stable budget for tourism should go to advertising to promote trips and vacations here. I invite you to look at publications such as Sunset Magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle and others to see how little advertising is being done to provide travel information and invite visitors to this area, especially as compared to other areas in California. One particular need is to improve our tourism Website to attract attention and provide information to those who use the Internet.

3. LOCAL RAILROAD - Improving and using the local rails for an excursion and commuting train is a very good idea. Establishing a local railroad would attract tourism and solve some of our local commuting problems. As you know, there are few opportunities for residents to use reliable and convenient public transportation, which unnecessarily increases vehicle traffic congestion. A regular rail run covering, Arcata, Eureka, Fields Landing, Loleta, Fernbridge, Fortuna, Scotia and Rio Dell, would be very good for all citizens and visitors.

4. OLD TOWN - while this is largely a city issue, the County should help to improve Old Town. Currently, there is not enough parking for businesses and shoppers. I believe that some of the streets should be closed off and covered atriums should be installed to make Old Town more weather, pedestrian, wheelchair and bicycle-friendly. We already have substantial art galleries, and we could attract additional food and lodging providers to make Old Town a desirable destination for everyone.

5. REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK LODGE # we should have a lodge and restaurant complex for the Redwood National Park. Ours is one of the few national parks that does not have destination facilities for tourists.

There are other ideas to promote tourism developed by groups and individuals that would fit nicely into this overall plan.

========= Point 5 High School Loans and Scholarships, with a Twist

Sadly, the largest export in Humboldt County is our youth. This trend must stop. The largest reason is the lack of good paying jobs to enable our youth to stay here and raise a family. The other points in this 7-point plan address job growth, but other ideas are needed to convince our kids to stay. I propose to create a student loan and scholarship foundation using private and Headwaters funds, but with a twist.

As many $5,000 student loans as we can afford should be made available to local high school kids who plan to attend college, regardless of whether that college is local or distant. After graduation, the young adult would be required to pay back the loan with interest. However, if that young adult stays in Humboldt County and works locally, 20% of the loan will be forgiven for each year . . . in 5 years, the loan would be forgiven in its entirety, and become a no-strings-attached scholarship. My goal is to make it worthwhile for young folks to continue to work and live in Humboldt County after they become productive members of society.

The loan and scholarship fund should be professionally managed, with clear criteria as to which students qualify for awards. It should be started by County funds and made larger by private donations and grant funds.

========= Point 6 Restore Water Flow and Watershed

Humboldt County has rich natural resources. Our rivers, especially, provide the basis for commercial and recreational fishing that serves as a major contributor to the local economy. Two major problems have caused a decline in fish production: reduced water flow and damaged watershed. My ideas to address these problems are explained below:

WATER FLOW We have won a few victories in court recently, to reduce the diversion of water from our various rivers. These victories will slowly return water flow to the Klamath and Eel rivers. However, more attention should be paid to the Eel and Trinity rivers, as these water flows are being restored too slowly.

The Eel River water diversion will likely be decided in upcoming court battles. We must continue our efforts to ensure regular flow, especially in summer. The need for water for agriculture (especially grape growers) and development in Sonoma, Mendocino and Marin Counties is enormous. I can not believe that in the 21st Century, California does not pay more attention to sea water desalinating in order to address these needs. I also favor proposals to "bag" the water in Humboldt County and ship it south, because this takes place after the water reaches the river mouth, not at the source.

The Trinity River matter is more serious because it is tied to dirty politics. The sole issue of returned water flow is clearly in our favor, but the question of water flow has been tied to other Central Valley political issues so a quick solution is not likely. We must bring state and federal pressure to ensure that the Trinity water flow is restored.

WATERSHED Although there is no law requiring it, the informal agreement that resulted in the Headwaters $22 million payment to Humboldt County, included a charge to restore watershed damaged by improper timber harvesting. Unfortunately, these costs are too large to fund entirely by the County. Logically, these are federal and state costs -- after all, do we restore watershed only to the edge of Humboldt County's border and no further? That doesn't make sense.

To address this problem, I propose that $3 million of the Headwaters fund be devoted either to an existing organization or to a newly-established Humboldt County Watershed Council. This group would be responsible to secure additional funds through public and private grants, and to lobby the state and federal government for our fair share of a watershed restoration budget.

Experts and volunteers devoting their time and energy to this worthy cause could channel and coordinate their efforts through this organization.

========= Point 7 $5 to $10 Million Annual Savings from County Government Efficiency

I have worked in the California courts for more than 21 years. My court management and technology business, Justice Served™, helps large, complex government organizations to become more efficient. I suggest that Humboldt County create a Grants and Contracts Department (GCD) whose purpose will be to: 1) identify, apply for and manage grant funding for various projects, and 2) contract out to the private sector various county services depending upon cost efficiency.

There is no good reason why these combined activities can not produce a $5 to $10 million annual savings that could be directed toward ongoing, long term improvement of the local economy, to provide good paying jobs. Here is how it would work.

GRANTS - several federal, state and private grants are available for a wide variety of projects that could benefit Humboldt County. Examples include telecommunications, highway beautification, Internet development and others. The reason that Humboldt County has not received a large number of these grants is that it takes a lot of effort to identify grant sources, and to prepare the application documents. Once a grant is awarded, it requires a lot of effort to manage the grant project and report on its progress to the funding source. Normally, each county department must pursue its own grant development (with varying degrees of success). A new GCD would relieve the county departments of some of these chores and assist to manage and report on the progress.

CONTRACTS - the county usually awards contracts on a project-by-project basis, such as construction, road work and lab testing. However, there are many more opportunities to "outsource" county services to the local private sector if it would result in taxpayer savings. I do not advocate widespread layoffs, but instead, I propose to institute a hiring restriction to shrink the county workforce in order to create savings from these contracts. Several examples of outsourcing include data processing, routine fee collection, debt collection, mailing of notices and other functions. Each County department should be required to identify areas for savings by contracting-out to local private firms. These contracts would be awarded by open bids and managed by the origin county department with assistance from the newly formed GCD. Local companies that pay benefits to their workers would be the first in line for these contracts.

Admittedly, this 7th point of my 7-point plan is likely to make some people nervous, and this is understandable. I believe that management should respect the rights of County employees and unions, honor existing labor agreements, and meet and confer in good faith. It is my pledge to do so. My reason for making this proposal is that the County can no longer afford to solve our community problems by hiring more staff. In fact, it is more and more difficult for the County to hire expert staff needed for specialized services such as engineering, computer programming and medical services.

It is not right that government is the largest employer in Humboldt County. At this rate, tax users will soon out-number tax payers. I believe we should generate local private industry jobs by outsourcing services, while simultaneously saving taxpayer dollars. The final benefit will be the $5 to $10 million annual savings that could be generated by this proposal, which should be devoted to continuing economic development and job growth.