By Donna Westfall – January 26, 2018 –
The 2018 election cycle is nearly upon us. Come early February, candidates will be filing their statements. Here enters Jake Smith, of Smith River in District 3.
Originally from San Diego, he spent the majority of his professional life in Sacramento. After he retired eight years ago, he and his wife hopped into a motorhome and traveled across the country for two years. They breezed into Crescent City due to their love of hiking and the natural beauty of the oceans and the redwoods and decided, this is the place they wanted to live. He and his wife have been married for 41 years, and have lived in Smith River for five years. He likes to smoke a cigar once in a while, have an occassional glass of wine but no drugs.
Conversation was easy with Jake. He’s experienced in working with people due to his 31 years with CalTrans in helping to form policy and get things done which, if elected Supervisor, could be a big boon to this County. We need people with vision, common sense and experience in getting things done.
Why do I believe he has common sense and perseverence?
He started his career at the ground floor level with CalTrans in the auto parts shop with only a high school education. He worked his way up in the organization and while doing so, attended community college for ten years to earn his AA degree in management. If that isn’t perseverence, I don’t know what is.
We spoke about a whole slew of issues concerning our area covering law enforcement, to homelessness, to drugs, to Last Chance Grade and more.
This will be Jake’s first foray into the public service arena as a candidate for Supervisor 3rd District.
Let’s see if this makes sense to you:
Jake says, “Instead of housing people in jail why not advocate for work programs?”
Here’s an example I’m aware of. I visited a woman in jail last week. She was arrested for reckless driving. Her fine was to be $1500 which she didn’t have. Her option was to spend 10 days in jail twiddling her thumbs at over $70/day expense to the taxpayer. What if she were working productively doing something in the City instead?
Next, Jake offered this, “What about a centralized rehab program paid in part by public assistance monies normally given to the homeless?”
There will always be the chronically homeless that don’t want to stop their drinking or drugging. But many of our homeless want a better life. A hand up, not just a hand out.
He’s for smaller government and generally against raising any taxes or fees.
- “I will be establishing a Facebook page to get constituents feedback on issues.”
- “I will conduct regional forums to discuss issues and get feedback from constituents.”
- “I will respond to constituents with their concerns in a timely manner.”
It’s his attitude and idea’s like these that will help change the complexion of this town, I believe, for the better.
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