Five candidates have announced they are running for the District 5 seat on the Napa County Board of Supervisors in the June 2008 election.

The winner will replace retiring Supervisor Harold Moskowite in representing American Canyon, unincorporated county lands in the south county, including Coombsville, and parts of the city of Napa.

The candidates are Keith Caldwell, the former fire chief in American Canyon; Cindy Coffey, a member of the American Canyon City Council; Morris Curry, Jr., a local pastor and past candidate for American Canyon City Council and Napa Valley College Board of Trustees; Rich Jager, the District 5 member of the Napa County Planning Commission; and Gary Simpson, former Napa County sheriff.

Recently, the Napa Valley Register and American Canyon Eagle asked all five candidates the same 10 questions on current topics affecting District 5 and Napa County. Here are their complete answers.

What is your position on the proposal to create thousands of homes at the Napa Pipe site?

Caldwell: Although I understand the county's need to create affordable housing, I'm not sure that the project as proposed is the solution to the county's housing requirements. Since the parcel is surrounded by the city of Napa and the city will most likely be asked to provide water, the city will need to decide whether revenue sharing is appropriate for the project. I'm not sure that a five-story development in this location is appropriate. I would like to see perhaps an advisory ballot measure to assist the county and city with the planning process.

Coffey: I was fortunate to spend three hours with Keith Rogal, who is an amazing visionary with an incredible opportunity for the residents of Napa County, but how that opportunity is realized is yet to be determined.

Curry: I have no comment at this time.

Jager: In every decision I make as a Napa County Supervisor, one question will be first and foremost in my mind: "How will this affect our quality of life?" The Napa Pipe development will continue to be the subject of community discussion for months (maybe even years) to come. There is an obvious need for housing in our county, particularly low-income and workforce housing. However we still do not know enough about the impact this 3,200-home development will have on traffic, infrastructure and the environment. It is also unclear whether the city or county would have jurisdiction over the development, and if the voters approve (the proposed initiative based on Measure A), the developer may reconsider the housing element all together. I am open to housing options in our county as it is badly needed, however when it comes to the Napa Pipe project we must be responsible. We cannot give answers when we still do not know what the question is.

Simpson: I don't think any of us know yet what the final project proposal will be. Obviously, any development of that size will have a lot of environmental hurdles to overcome. I have the same concerns as others about traffic, water and other issues, but I will reserve judgment until I see the results of the EIR.

What is your position on a possible tax assessment on Coombsville residents to bring reclaimed water to the area?

Caldwell: During the time that I lived within the Coombsville area, the well on the property in which I lived had to be drilled 160 feet deeper. The water study did not conclude that if the recycled water was made available and used, it would replenish the Coombsville aquifer. If so, then only the agriculture interests would benefit from the recycled water. Also under the current proposal, the homeowners would pay the greatest share. On the west side of the city of Napa, most rural properties are served by the Congress Valley Water District, which contracts with the city of Napa for service.

Currently, Napa city water mains extend near the Coombsville area on most of the roadways. Perhaps a similar water district like the Congress Valley arrangement with the city of Napa could be examined as an option. It would appear that solving the existing water issues should take precedence over the Napa Pipe project, which would also require city of Napa water.

Coffey: I am not in favor of any tax increases, however if the residents vote to create a water assessment district I would support it if and only if all businesses, residents and resorts were required to participate who currently rely on well water in the area. Since this is for reclaimed water it would free up well water for regular use.

Curry: I would be opposed to such an assessment.

Jager: Using reclaimed water for agricultural and landscaping purposes is both environmentally safe and economically beneficial. If the cost to implement this project is reasonable, it is something that the people should welcome. I believe the people of Coombsville should have the final say on whether or not reclaimed water is made available to them. If they decide "yes," then they would certainly have to shoulder their fair share of the cost. In all aspects of this issue, I support a fully open and disclosed process.

The Napa Sanitation District has been very diligent about this and has held public meetings to educate residents and receive input on this proposed project.

Simpson:  I live in the Coombsville area and understand the problem people have most every year due to the water shortage. The county and the Napa Sanitation District are studying the feasibility of extending a pipeline for recycled water to this area for vineyard, golf course and landscaping irrigation, and creating an assessment district where property owners will pay for the recycled water they receive.

Residents I've talked to are generally in favor of using recycled water to help conserve scarce drinking water for household use. But they're waiting to hear how much the recycled water from this pipeline will cost, and when it can become available.

How would you improve relations between Napa County and the city of American Canyon?



Caldwell: I believe the current situation is in part due to the lack of communication between both the elected and appointed officials. I believe one of the key roles of a county supervisor is to act as a mediator between the agencies within the district. This can only be done if the supervisor has the trust of the affected agencies and a good working knowledge of the issues that affect both parties. I have lived or worked in American Canyon the last 46 years. In my position as fire chief, I have worked extensively with county departments, including Conservation Development and Planning, the

Auditor-Controller's Office, Environmental Management and LAFCO. I have also lived in the Coombsville area and the South Napa River Park area. I believe I have the knowledge and trust to work with all of the agencies and departments necessary as the Fifth District supervisor.

Coffey: I don't feel there are any problems, just two sets of folks with different agendas, one group that lacks the ability to administer policies consistently and the other that just wants unbiased representation.

Curry: The improvement of relations with Napa County and the city of American Canyon begins with understanding that the Hatfield and McCoy attitudes are a thing of the past and statesmanship over politics should prevail.

For the past 22 years as a resident in American Canyon, I have forged relationships by working with various interests in the valley, such as the Napa Emergency Women's Shelter, the Napa Valley chambers of commerce, the educational community, the legal community, and the health care and interfaith communities.

Jager: There are two ongoing disputes that must be resolved between the city and the county in order for relationships to be improved. The first issue concerns how far north the city limit should extend and the second is whether the city should be required to supply water to the Airport Business Park.

In disputes such as these, there is no substitute for communication. As a county planning commissioner, I have spent the last three years attending community activities, city meetings and Chamber of Commerce functions in American Canyon to help build bridges between city and county government. I encourage other county officials to do the same and I believe the tensions between the two entities will improve as these relationships are forged.



Simpson: As sheriff, I worked with the American Canyon city staff and council and with Napa County staff and the Board of Supervisors, as well as with other local, state and federal government officials, for many years.

Through law enforcement contract negotiations and other issues, my experience with both American Canyon and the county has been positive, and I have found them both to be reasonable and fair-minded. I believe my relationship with these agencies will help to foster goodwill and cooperation as the county and American Canyon work together in the future.



Are you concerned that airport development is infringing on the city of American Canyon? Why or why not?

Caldwell: (See below.)

Coffey: I am concerned with the Airport Land Use Commission arbitrarily moving fly zones without merit or public hearings different from the FAA requirements. Otherwise, no.

Curry: (See below.)

Jager: As an Airport Land Use Commissioner, I am very concerned about development around the airport. The airport and its boundaries were established before the incorporation of American Canyon; this must be taken into account as the city plans for future growth and expansion. The airport has done a good job of establishing rules and restrictions (including flight paths and noise restrictions) for operating within the space it occupies.

These rules benefit the airport and the city.

Cities and airports co-exist successfully all over the country and are mutually beneficial. I believe the airport is an asset to American Canyon and is not infringing upon it in any way.



Simpson: (See below.)

Are you concerned that American Canyon is infringing on airport growth? Why or why not?

Caldwell: All of the land surrounding the airport except for one or two parcels is zoned alike within both the city and county's general plans. The Airport Specific Plan and the county's General Plan envision the land to be developed as industrial. The Oat Hill specific plan did include residential development, which is not consistent with the airport's compatibility zones.

However, this plan appears to be going through a revision process and may be brought back to the respective agencies with updated proposed uses. The current issue between the city and the county is not so much what will be developed, but whose jurisdiction it will develop under. The only parcels that I'm aware of that have differing uses or zoning is the "Hess parcels" east of Highway 29, which should be zoned agricultural. The current use of the airport seems to be intensifying with larger corporate jet aircraft, which are larger than what residents are familiar with. By ensuring that appropriate approach and departure routes are used by the larger aircraft, the airport will remain a valuable asset to the county and the citizens of Napa County. The industrial zoning appears to be very compatible with the airport and with proper planning and management the uses should not only co-exist, but enhance each other.

Coffey: Absolutely not. There is a river and a greenbelt if the county honors it that protects American Canyon.

Curry: The word "infringe" presupposes an encroachment on somebody's rights or property: to take over land, rights, privileges, or activities that belong to somebody else, especially in a minor or gradual way. To answer that question intelligently, I would have to determine if the definition is operative for one of the parties and at this point I do not think that is the case. There might be some concern over growth, but has someone's right's been overstepped? I do not think so. This is still Hatfield and McCoy thinking.



Jager: As an Airport Land Use Commissioner, I am wary about building housing or other high-density projects around the airport. American Canyon has indicated that the city wants only low-density industrial development within its boundaries with the airport in such close proximity. In fact, the city has offered to deed-restrict properties in these areas to ensure that industrial development is all that takes place. I believe that all issues surrounding development in this area can be resolved through communication and the mutual goal of achieving what is best for the people of American Canyon and Napa County.

Simpson: For many years, the county has proceeded with development of the airport area pursuant to its 1986 Airport Specific Plan, while the city of American Canyon has been guided by its General Plan, which also indicates growth in the airport area. There will be times when there are conflicting interests, but I believe reasonable people working together can find reasonable solutions that benefit the county as a whole.

How would you go about improving transportation and transit in the south part of the county?

Caldwell: South county transportation or circulation is a complicated issue; Highway 12 improvements are long overdue. The proposed four-lane connector between Interstate 80 and Highway 29 will relieve some of the congestion on Highway 29 south of Highway 12. The proposed Newell bypass and Devlin Road extension will further reduce Highway 29 congestion. With American Canyon's development on both sides of Highway 29 and no overpass in the foreseeable future, the only way to safely provide access on both sides of the Highway 29 was to install additional traffic signals, which is what the city of American Canyon has accomplished. In order to improve the north-south flow of traffic additional lanes within the city and the timing and interconnection of traffic signals are the only viable options at this time.

I believe the lack of affordable housing within Napa County contributes to the traffic congestion, more and more workers are commuting from American Canyon, Vallejo and adjacent cities and counties. The current transit program appears to be underutilized. The transit agency should consider an outreach program not only to the employers, but the employees within the county to find what type of transportation services best suit the commuter's needs. Van pools, park & ride lots and further exploration of a rail option.

More empty busses running up and down the Napa Valley is not the solution.

Coffey: As the chair of the city's Circulation Committee for the past three years, it is imperative that the Devlin Road be completed as well as the Newell Road to South Kelly. This will alleviate the traffic providing the needed relief and restore Highway 29 to an acceptable level of service. I would also continue my work with representatives in Solano County exploring the reinstatement of rail.

Curry: Transportation is really not the issue; it is traffic circulation. I believe one of the answers would be completing the Jamieson Canyon improvement. I do have a specific remedy, however I am not at liberty to expound.

Jager: The Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency is currently in the process of updating its Strategic Transportation Plan. As a county planning commissioner I am proud to have participated in their workshop held in American Canyon to discuss solutions to Napa County's transportation problems. Some of the ideas discussed were:

- Public Transit

- Ridesharing and carpool programs

- Flex time and work at home solutions

- Infill development-building closer to commercial areas

- Neighborhood developments that encourage walking and biking

- Additional walking and biking trails

- Car-free tourism programs

The conclusion we reached is that the most immediate solutions to mitigate traffic in South County are to increase public transit, particularly bus transit and to extend Newell Drive to South Kelly Road and extend Devlin Road south into American Canyon. All of the items listed above should be encouraged.

Simpson: Traffic congestion that impacts the south part of the county in particular is a regional problem that calls for regionally-funded improvements. Cross traffic from Solano and Sonoma counties contributes to congestion and safety issues here in our county that must be addressed.

Locally, the proposed Newell Road extension has the potential to help ease traffic congestion and move traffic more efficiently through the area. The county and American Canyon are analyzing this improvement to determine how it will be funded. There are other suggestions such as widening Highway 29 to three lanes in the area, but there is serious concern by residents that widening the highway in American Canyon will further divide the west side of the city from the east side.

The availability of more workforce housing in Napa County would also ease traffic congestion contributed to by the many workers commuting daily from surrounding counties to jobs in our county.



With a high school coming in, it will be more essential for American Canyon residents to easily cross Highway 29. What solutions do you see?

Caldwell: The long-range solution of an underpass or overpass somewhere within the city of American Canyon is the most logical, but at the same time is the most costly. The short-term solution is to continue to enhance existing signalized intersections to include additional lanes, timing of signals and pedestrian crosswalks. A pedestrian over- or under-crossing needs to be included within the short-term solution.

Coffey: Two pedestrian crossings will have to be installed at roughly $2 million each. The sidewalks are being widened on American Canyon Road as well as through Vintage Ranch. I also support a closed campus to keep the kids at school off of local roads and safe.

Curry: The issue is really a city of American Canyon and Caltrans issue. The issue could have been resolved years ago with some forward thinking on the part of the city to build it's infrastructure first then concentrate on it's urban development. Until there is some competent city leadership, a solution is out of the question.



Jager: This question was also addressed at the American Canyon NCTPA workshop. The consensus that was reached, and I agree, is to build an overhead pedestrian walkway over the highway. The existing crosswalks must also be closely monitored when students are present to ensure safety.

Simpson: In Napa County, Highway 29 cuts through several cities from American Canyon, to Napa, then St. Helena, on up to Calistoga. In American Canyon, improved turn lanes, signaling, high visibility pedestrian crosswalks with curb bump-outs, reduced speed limits and flashing lights would all help to make the challenge of crossing the highway safer for school children. A pedestrian overcrossing would be one of the safest solutions. Other communities have entered into partnerships with the state and federal government to fund these types of footbridges with bike lane solutions.

A Safe Routes to School program, partnering American Canyon schools, the community and local government, would help make routes safer for children to walk and bike to school and reduce vehicle traffic for student transportation. I would be very interested in working with American Canyon residents to establish such a program.

What are the three biggest issues facing your constituents?

Caldwell:

1. The need to improve quality of life, such as traffic circulation, commute times, and adequate parks and recreational opportunities.

2. The need to develop and maintain infrastructure to support industrial and residential development, which includes roadways, water and wastewater and public safety.

3. The third issue is to provide quality housing that is both affordable from a purchase standpoint, but also affordable from an annual fee and assessments perspective. Too many subdivisions are built with Street Improvement Districts, Lighting and Landscape Districts and Mello-Roos Assessment Districts, which the average home buyer does not fully take into consideration when purchasing a home.

Coffey:

1. More family support services to care for seniors, youths and childcare.

2. Improved transportation and circulation.

3. Safety for our families.

Curry:

1. Water

2. Water

3. Water

Jager: There are many pressing issues that face Napa County that will affect our quality of life for years to come. Some of the most pressing issues facing the Fifth District are:

1. Roadway/street maintenance and repair

2. Traffic management

3. Water supply, particularly implementing the use of reclaimed water and exploring better ways to capture and use run-off water.

Simpson: Traffic, growth and development, and street and road conditions.

What are the three biggest issues facing the county?

Caldwell:

1. Support the wine industry to ensure that it continues to thrive, because it provides significant revenue to local government.

2. Maximize the Napa Valley experience, which should include conference facilities suitable for corporate use. A large number of visitors come to the valley for a day and spend a significant amount of money in San Francisco or other areas that have conference facilities that can accommodate large corporate groups. We need to capture as much of the tourist dollar as possible.

3. Develop a comprehensive plan to address the state of California's housing requirements. This would include modifying the county's housing requirement, because of agricultural concerns, through legislation. Work with the cities to meet some of the county's housing requirements.

Coffey:

1. Sustainable resources such as water

2. Affordable housing requirements as dictated by the state.

3. Balancing agriculture, tourism and residents' quality of life.

Curry:

1. Water

2. Water

3. Water

Jager: The issues that face Napa County as a whole are diverse and complex. However, I believe three of the biggest issues facing the county are:

1. Land use, including housing, protection of agriculture and property rights, and regulating tourism.

2. Circulation, including traffic management, road repair and public transportation.

3. The environment, including protections for the watersheds, the river, creating accessible open space in the cities and the county, and the creation and preservation of walking and hiking trails.

Simpson: Traffic, growth and development, and street and road conditions. In some areas, water supply is a major issue, as well.

What are the best solutions to the region's concerns about water supply?

Caldwell: There is no simple solution to the region's water needs. However, we need to continue to seek out additional long-term water supplies, develop new and enhance existing water storage facilities. Aggressively develop recycled water for agricultural and park land irrigation as well as industrial usage. Conservation for new development and retrofitting of existing housing is also part of the solution.



Coffey: As the chair of American Canyon's Blue Ribbon Committee, there are several solutions including securing excess agriculture water options, building large holding tanks throughout the county for back-up supply, holding ponds and most importantly water harvesting. Harvesting rainwater from rooftops of the largest distribution centers in the county would provide more than enough water to cover our shortfalls.

Curry: The solution to our region's water supply hinges on two elements

1. Improvement of the weather (usually regulated by God), and

2. Competent management by human beings of the resources that they enjoy.

Jager: The cities of Napa and American Canyon are currently seeking to buy more water from the state. This is a necessary solution. The unincorporated portions of the county rely on water from reservoirs, lakes and wells. These lakes and reservoirs must be protected from development around their edges and contamination from runoff. There are numerous water conservation programs in existence, which I believe we must encourage and expand.

Simpson: There is no "silver bullet," so to speak, that will solve the ongoing challenge of providing a safe, reliable water supply. A range of efforts must be employed, from comprehensive long- and short-range planning, home and workplace conservation efforts, greater use of recycled water, alternative supply options, and infrastructure and facilities upgrading. We also need to closely monitor actions at the state level regarding the Sacramento Delta and its aging levee system, as legislators consider a new peripheral canal proposal and other plans, and we must actively advocate for those solutions which would help safeguard that water supply for continued local use.