PD Editorial: Mendo supes

A week from today, voters in Mendocino County have an opportunity to select two new members of the Board of Supervisors.

The two we suggest are John McCowen and Carre Brown.

McCowen is in a run-off for the 2nd District seat being vacated by Supervisor Jim Wattenburger. Few know the district better than McCowen, a small-business owner who has served on the Ukiah City Council member for four years and, before that, was a city planning commissioner for seven.

McCowen is well-suited to step in as supervisor. More than that, he offers the best chance of improving relations between the county and the city.

One of the central issues of McCowen's campaign is developing a revenue-sharing plan between the city and county, particularly as it relates to the potential development of the former Masonite plant. Such a plan has been needed for some time but has been thwarted for various reasons. McCowen is one of the few who could actually make this happen.

His opponent is Estelle Clifton, a forester, native Mendocino County resident and former Round Valley School Board member. Clifton is articulate and has fresh ideas but cannot match McCowen in terms of experience and proven ability to get things accomplished.

The run-off in the 1st District features two long-term Potter Valley residents -- incumbent Mike Delbar, who is seeking his fourth term in office, and Carre Brown, administrator for the Mendocino County Farm Bureau.

Delbar has been an effective representative of the district for some time. But it's time for a change. Brown is a fifth-generation county resident who has been the executive administrator for the Farm Bureau for 22 years. She is tough and smart and comes with the connections needed to be an effective leader for the region.

Both Brown and McCowen also have reputations for working collaboratively and respectfully, something that at times has been missing from the Board of Supervisors.

Mendocino County faces many challenges in the coming months as it continues to deal with budget shortfalls, water uncertainties and the need for economic development. To manage these issues, the county will need pragmatic, knowledgeable leaders who can be both productive and professional.

With that in mind, The Press Democrat recommends Carre Brown and John McCowen for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.