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This feature is part of the CN&R’s 2024 election coverage.

Unlike the state and federal offices on the ballot (for which voters will pick nominees to run in the General Election in November), the open seats on the Butte County Board of Supervisors will be filled by the winners of this primary. The new supes won’t be sworn in until next January.

There are five candidates vying for the three open supervisor seats on the ballot. For District 1, the incumbent Bill Connelly is running unopposed. In District 4, incumbent Tod Kimmelshue is challenged by Joanna Warrens; while in District 5, incumbent Doug Teeter faces off against Julie Threet. (Click here for a map of the supervisor districts.)

In advance of the election, the Chico News & Review sent the candidates the same 10 questions, addressing the major issues facing the county. Four of the five replied (Supervisor Kimmelshue politely declined to participate), and their answers have been published here just as they submitted them (very lightly edited for grammar and style).

The questions:

1. What’s biggest issue facing Butte County?
2. How can you as a supervisor address that issue?
3. It’s more expensive than ever to live in Butte County; What should the county do to address the high cost of living here?
4. Affordable housing in Butte County is still a huge concern—home prices have nearly doubled in the past decade; rents have risen 20 percent since the COVID pandemic—what are your ideas on how the county should address its affordable housing needs?
5. As you see it, what’s the big public safety issue in our area, and how should the county address it?
6. What’s your assessment of water management across the county?
7. Should the Greenline remain firm?
8. If you’re an incumbent, why should voters choose to keep the same person in the seat? If you’re a challenger, why should voters choose a change?
9. During these times when hard-line partisanship hinders compromise, what assurances do you offer potential constituents with whom you have political differences that their concerns will be considered?
10. What reasons might you have to be hopeful about Butte County’s future?

District 1

Bill Connelly

County Supervisor
billconnelly1.com

1. What’s biggest issue facing Butte County?

Money or the budget is the first problem the Butte County government is facing. After years of falling behind in pay for our employees, the board decided to make pay raises a priority but keep a balanced budget. The reality is public service has become a competitive business. All departments were informed that with the hefty raises would come cuts in personnel and overhead. Modernizations has offset some of this. Next is the public safety pay gap, which if looked at rationally, especially on the fire side, is driven by the perception of heroic deeds and very dangerous profession. That is the reality we live in, and as such the fire budget has grown from $5 million a year to over $20 million a year to cover less volunteers, higher pay and shorter shift times. The Sheriff is faced with a shrinking pool of candidates at all levels and must pay more to retain and recruit. All the public safety departments are in a recruiting and pay competition from the District Attorney on down. This money comes out of the 15 percent of the budget we as a county have control of.

As far as Butte County’s public, after calling on 100 local businesses, it is the homeless situation. The balance of compassion verses the reality of the impacts on everyone has not been reached. The working public and business owners are fed up. The regulations are not addressing their issues. We desperately need a facility for the mentally ill homeless.

2. How can you as a supervisor address that issue?

As a supervisor my priority was, is and will always be public safety. So if it comes to another department or the Sheriff: the people must be kept safe. Next I have reached out to CalFire and asked that any more proposals, such as the cutting the work week back again, not be put on the City and County agencies. We simply cannot afford and will eventually have to close more stations. The public will be asked what they want to pay for soon, as there is talk of a tax increase. The mentally ill homeless need a large facility with showers, counseling, proper medication and regular meals. If nothing changes in the way they are put into conservatorship, or in a location for them to go, nothing will change in their lives or with the public’s safety.

3. It’s more expensive than ever to live in Butte County; What should the county do to address the high cost of living here?

I disagree with a leading question as it isn’t more expensive to live just in Butte County but in all of California. This is driven by a legislature and government in general that just passes laws to see if they will work. The working people in this county and the business people here, as in all of California, are voting with their tail lights. They are leaving. The county does not control the cost of living.

4. Affordable housing in Butte County is still a huge concern—home prices have nearly doubled in the past decade; rents have risen 20 percent since the COVID pandemic—what are your ideas on how the county should address its affordable housing needs?

The county should stay out of housing. The high cost of housing is directly related to the regulations out of Sacramento. If you just walk through a framed up home you will see thousands of brackets and braces that really have not saved anyone from anything. You will observe a sprinkler system which reduces the likelihood of death, but how often and at what cost. The simple fact that wooden shingle molding was good enough for hundreds of years, you will now observe metal over it as a redundancy. That fixes nothing at all but costs more. Add to the building costs the lot development costs of even a single parcel—all driven by regulations out of Sacramento. Even if zoned correctly, there are costly mitigations for impacts to species.

5. As you see it, what’s the big public safety issue in our area, and how should the county address it?

The major problem with public safety is attracting and keeping all those charged with enforcement of our laws on the job.

6. What’s your assessment of water management across the county?

Butte County has some of the earliest and best laws concerning the export of groundwater out of the county. The Groundwater Sustainability Agencies mandated by state saw are very useful in keeping our water in county. One must never forget local control is always the best. As the science develops, we must keep reminding the rest of the state we are not their bath tub. Water management at the Butte County level is overall very good.

7. Should the Greenline remain firm?

The Greenline protects some of the best soil in the nation and should be kept. There may be some ways to improve it going forward, such as permanent ag easements and lower densities.

8. If you’re an incumbent, why should voters choose to keep the same person in the seat? If you’re a challenger, why should voters choose a change?

As an incumbent, my motto has always been be a buffer between government and the people. Beyond that, most of the constituents I serve know I fight for them whenever it is needed and I don’t quit or forget. Issues such as road improvements, fire recovery, and the operations, safety and recreation at the Oroville Dam facilities. This position has taught me that everyone is worthy of my ear, love and support no matter who they are. If possible to rationally help them I will. The list of ways I have helped people is long and actually very satisfying. During my time in office, we have completed highway 70, recovered from several fires and always maintained a balanced budget. I will always put public safety first in a rational manner while advocating for social services for my less-well-off constituents.

I have never asked a person who approached me for help what their political party was. As far as the national and state relationships, I try to do what helps my constituents, ignoring my personal beliefs as long as not an affront to my core values. That would show in the relationship that was developed with Senators Boxer and Feinstein when it came to federal help. I have communication with the governor’s office and of course close relationships with Assemblyman Gallagher and his staff. I do not use my office as a place hurl insults at other elected officials who may be needed to solve our local issues.

10. What reasons might you have to be hopeful about Butte County’s future?

First, Butte County has beauty from the mountains to valley. People who live here know that and it does attract others. What we need to complete our county is the establishment of more businesses that pay good wages. It is hopeful that a new mill will be built here, a new forest management system established based on science not feelings, more dot-com type business, and of course the development of our tourism. Our farming industry has water and land and will have opportunity to grow and diversify. I am hopeful all of this and more are going to happen in our near future.

District 4

Tod Kimmelshue

Family farmer
nutsfortod.com

[Supervisor Kimmelshue declined to participate in this Q&A.]

Joanna Warrens

Farmer/teacher/mother
joannawarrens.com

1. What’s biggest issue facing Butte County?

We need a government that is focused on serving all the people of Butte County. The process of creating new district maps in 2021 revealed that threats to Democracy exist right here. The current 4/1 split on the board means that important issues are not considered because there is not a second vote. This stifles discussion of all the major issues including housing, healthcare, mental health treatment and budget.

2. How can you as a supervisor address that issue?

I will be a second vote on the board so that we can discuss serious issues. Currently the 4/5 conservative members of the board largely control what can be proposed and discussed.

3. It’s more expensive than ever to live in Butte County; What should the county do to address the high cost of living here?

It is appalling that the December 2023 Community Health Assessment for Butte County listed Food Insecurity as a major issue. We should use the full force of local government to make sure that people have access to food. As prices of food have gone up, this problem has worsened. We should expand food programs.

Butte County must pass a rent stabilization ordinance for mobile home parks. Many seniors and disabled people live in mobile home parks and are being pushed out by outrageous rent increases from out-of-town owners and managers. Leaders should put their constituents’ needs over business. No one should spend their golden years worried about losing their home.

5. As you see it, what’s the big public safety issue in our area, and how should the county address it?

Fire remains the greatest threat to public safety in Butte County, and the risk is increasing with climate change. We need to continue our focus on emergency planning and fire mitigation.

6. What’s your assessment of water management across the county?

I have questions about the Tuscan Water District promoted by my opponent. The vote was made based on assessed land values which left domestic well owners with a smaller vote share. The water system functions well but we need to make sure that all water users have equal influence.

7. Should the Greenline remain firm?

Agriculture is important in Butte County and the Greenline should remain firm.

8. If you’re an incumbent, why should voters choose to keep the same person in the seat? If you’re a challenger, why should voters choose a change?

I’ll work for the residents of District 4 and not large corporations. I was appalled when two supervisors said that Chico and Gridley don’t matter because they have city councils.

In representative government, every person matters wherever you live. Government must be effective, efficient accountable, and transparent. Butte County should do more to make government accessible to the public. If elected, I will explore solutions including a 311 line [for reporting non-emergency issues].

Compromise is how politics works, and I’ll always remember the voters I work for. Local issues are mostly non-partisan, and I’ll return all calls and emails. In addition, I will work with all the other governmental entities, city, state, and federal, to solve problems for the residents of District 4. We can do anything if we do it together.

10. What reasons might you have to be hopeful about Butte County’s future?

Butte County will continue to be a fabulous place for families to live, work and play. With decent water management, we’ll be able to continue to farm for decades to come. Butte County’s biggest asset is its people. When we serve the people, everyone does well.

District 5

Doug Teeter

Small-business owner
site.dougteeter.com

1. What’s biggest issue facing Butte County?

Most of my constituents live in or near the wildland urban interface. Some may not know of the threat as they may live in a city a few blocks or so away from a grassland or dense brush/tree filled area. So, I place fire danger as one of my big issues.

2. How can you as a supervisor address that issue?

Continuing to make policy, apply for grants and work with landowners to reduce fuels on their properties. Work with the Sheriff in improving emergency notification. In addition, provide education on State and County defensible-space rules, fire risk and ways to reduce it to the public. As you know, supervisors sit on many other boards. Supervisor Connelly and I sit on the Butte County Fire Safe Council board and I currently have a seat on the State’s Wildfire and Forest Resiliency Task Force.

3. It’s more expensive than ever to live in Butte County; What should the county do to address the high cost of living here?

About four-fifths of Butte County’s $790 million dollar budget is for State and Federal mandated programs (i.e. Public Health, Social Services and Transportation). The County should continue to endeavor to help all eligible individuals in signing up for those programs. Also, I believe being permissive and supporting businesses in unincorporated residential zoned property is important to increase one’s revenue potential. In addition, the County should apply for grants that benefit our citizens (i.e., $850,000 for a Foothill Rebuild Barrier Removal Project to fund building fees associated with the recovery of safe housing in the burn scar areas).

I believe policies have made housing more affordable. We rezoned unused commercial property permitting new multifamily affordable housing, we permit tiny homes, County allows two residences per parcel, and permit homes built with owner-milled timber. Prior to the Camp and North Complex Fires, Butte County’s best housing deals were in the foothills. The insurance crisis has made foothill living unaffordable or unable to get a loan. While supervisors don’t control insurance, we make policies that reduce risk. Working on reducing fuels is a must in order to change the risk modeling that insurance companies use to set prices.

5. As you see it, what’s the big public safety issue in our area, and how should the county address it?

Public safety staffing is definitely a big issue for departments such as Sheriff, Fire, District Attorney, Probation, Corrections, Mental Health and Code Enforcement. Major factors are unfilled positions, higher pay in other jurisdictions and/or local budget constraints. Regardless of what is the cause, the result is resources spread thin across a large county or our psychiatric health facility not open 24/7. While the County looks to lower costs, we are also working on the viability of a revenue measure to present to the voters that would improve funding for public safety departments.

6. What’s your assessment of water management across the county?

I believe Butte County is the only county that has a water department focused on managing and conserving water for its citizens. We have our own experts, so we are not reliant on information from State, Federal or non-government sources. The County has worked hard to bring water to those with wells affected by drought. I believe the State’s creation of local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies will facilitate coordination between water users (including those outside Butte County), avoiding the overdraft issues seen in San Joaquin Valley. We have some of the strongest policies in place to protect our groundwater.

7. Should the Greenline remain firm?

Yes, the Greenline should not be changed. I find no reason to build on prime ag soils as there are many options still available for new residential and commercial building in Butte County. I’ve also been firm on protecting the 300-foot agricultural setback, so development doesn’t build right next to a farm.

8. If you’re an incumbent, why should voters choose to keep the same person in the seat? If you’re a challenger, why should voters choose a change?

As the incumbent, there is a record of my actions in working for what a majority of our citizens desire. Having experience allows me to hit the ground running and I have working relationships with other Board members, staff and non-County decision makers to benefit Butte County citizens. Working with others has led to being selected to sit on other boards, such as the State’s Wildfire and Forest Resiliency Task Force, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Rural County Representatives of California. I’m proud to bring Butte County perspectives to those organizations.

County level issues are thankfully not partisan issues. We all need fire and police services, roads free of pot holes, assistance in keeping our land maintained to reduce catastrophic wildfires as well as services provided by mental health and social services. When issues arise that have strong opposing views, experience has taught me to politely listen to each constituents’ comments or views then make the best decision I can based on the information at hand. I have a record of being the moderate on our Board, which I believe is a factor that has led to previous CN&R endorsements.

10. What reasons might you have to be hopeful about Butte County’s future?

We have had way too many disasters. However, I see our citizens continually brush themselves off and get back to it. Although those disasters are heartbreaking, they have opened the door for new folks and families to move here. Recreation is big part of my life and I’m proud to help support some new recreation opportunities that are coming to Butte County (i.e., Colby Mountain Trails). As your 5th District Supervisor, I’ve meet so many folks who are working towards making Butte County better. Seeing their enthusiasm and dedication is inspiring and provides me much hope for our future.

Julie Threet

Community volunteer

1. What’s biggest issue facing Butte County?
The biggest issue facing Butte County is a lack of transparency from Supervisors and lack of localized communication. Citizens who attend meetings bring grievances and requests for agenda items with no response. Thus, minor issues turn into full blown problems—e.g. the mobile home owner space rent disaster and failed COVID policies. The Supervisors appear to work for the staff and not the people. This state is going through a level of tyranny we have never seen and new leadership at the county can only bring positive change and better service to the “shareholders”—the people who pay them!

2. How can you as a supervisor address that issue?

I commit to holding regular town hall meetings every quarter, rotating from Cohasset to Forest Ranch, southeast Chico to the Ridge. I will meet with every constituent who appears at the County to present a grievance. I will ask our Chief Administrative Officer to hold more audits and proactively assess performance after the fact. More time needs to be given to listening to the people, and not holding ceremonial resolutions. It appears the Supervisors do not remember their oath of office. Or forget they are elected to provide OVERSIGHT to our county functions and work FOR the people.

3. It’s more expensive than ever to live in Butte County; What should the county do to address the high cost of living here?

We must bring jobs back. The Camp Fire and COVID, back-to-back once-in-a-lifetime disasters, have crippled businesses, moved jobs out to other states, and delayed home reconstruction. Using available grants and remaining disaster funds we must attract businesses to rebuild, get businesses that were forced to close reopened, and elect leaders who will not force these problems on the people ever again. I am also against sales tax increases the county is currently considering. Finally, offering school choice incentives to parents, who are at times homeschooling but paying property taxes is an economic problem for young families we should explore.

Approval of Valley’s Edge is a major opportunity for District 5 to gain access to affordable housing. In addition, the county must implement a Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The double-digit space rent increase for those on fixed incomes is absurd and these owners have been complaining to the county for almost two years with no resolution. Accommodation for fire survivors must continue—e.g., better service for building permit problems and extension of camping permits.

5. As you see it, what’s the big public safety issue in our area, and how should the county address it?

People are tired of the revolving door in and out of jail. I supported the Sheriff’s request for better pay for his officers and funds to expand the jail. COVID policies jeopardized our safety as experimental drugs were pushed on healthy people. We must proactively assess our ability to manage the increase in crime and drug trafficking resulting from our open southern border. While it’s not an easy topic, we must be honest about the impact of failed immigration policies that will inevitably reach our county over the next several years, especially the increase in fentanyl.

6. What’s your assessment of water management across the county?

There must be more explanation given to the people as there is definitely a constant concern about the quality and storage of this resource. The lack of groundwater storage, questionable policies by the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, and the sewer project running from Paradise to Chico, have left people concerned. They see big ag/big government controlling the water as wells run dry, and people pay more for less quality. There has been waste from the Neal Road facility contaminating our creeks and Public Health intends to fluoridate all water systems. More time must be spent educating the people through local town halls.

7. Should the Greenline remain firm?

Agriculture is critical to the health of our county, so yes, we need a Greenline. But it is reasonable to ask for an annual assessment of the policy and explain where, what, why and how the Greenline is set. Especially for Districts like 5, where the Greenline doesn’t “matter” as it runs primarily through Districts 2 and 4. So protecting those Districts yet pushing development into the other Districts might not always be welcome or appropriate. Again, providing local town hall communications could help those NOT directly benefiting from the Greenline to see the big picture.

8. If you’re an incumbent, why should voters choose to keep the same person in the seat? If you’re a challenger, why should voters choose a change?

The incumbent has been in office for THREE terms. We need term limits for a reason. The incumbent hasn’t been available to constituents. District 5 has gone through devastation between the Camp Fire and COVID, and new ideas, new energy and a Supervisor for ALL the people is needed. This is a new District, now running into Chico and up to Cohasset/Forest Ranch, and ALL of the people need better representation. We cannot afford four more years of the same. I am just as qualified as the incumbent and people are tired of politicians “in name only”.

9. During these times when hard-line partisanship hinders compromise, what assurances do you offer potential constituents with whom you have political differences that their concerns will be considered?

As a regular attendee at Supervisor meetings for two years, I have sided with both sides of the aisle when it comes to key votes. I support Supervisor Ritter on mobile home rent stabilization and mental health issues. I vehemently oppose the “conservatives” who voted to continue with mask/vaccine mandates, school closures and the extended COVID emergency declaration. I vote on policy, not politics. I commit to holding regular hours to meet with constituents and provide information through social media. The biggest problem we have is lack of regular communication leading to misinformation and frustrated constituents.

10. What reasons might you have to be hopeful about Butte County’s future?

The People. The people of District 5 in particular are fighters. We want to be left alone but expect accountability by those who we pay to serve us. Camp Fire survivors are still faced with huge problems. Being a COVID survivor (losing my career in healthcare, losing my Mom to a vaccine complication, watching children suffer learning loss at the hands of unelected bureaucrats) has put me in a position to fight to keep our freedoms. We cannot go through four more years of the same. The level of patriotism has given me hope and I am here for it!