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Contra Costa County may be facing tough economic times, but the San Ramon Valley’s new supervisor is determined to stay positive about the future of the area’s “very diverse” economy.
At a Wednesday afternoon luncheon, District 2 Supervisor Gayle Uilkema spoke to approximately 30 residents, business owners and community activists to introduce herself to constituents and reassure them that the government is not failing.
“I look at the positive side of government,” said the supervisor, whose new district comprises 210,000 residents along the I-680 corridor and state Route 24. “It would be easy to say that the government is failing us when, in fact, it is not.”
Although the supervisor did not propose solutions to the wide range of state problems, Uilkema said she would work with residents to build accurate representation and form regional opinions. The foundation of these opinions will come from five-question polls sent to 195 random homes in each city; San Ramon’s questionnaires are in the mail.
“Most of this guides what I do. I feel most comfortable when I can say I understand what my constituents think and feel about certain subjects,” Uilkema said.
The supervisor then conducted an informal poll using current survey questions. Among the topics of interest were an additional gas tax, quality of emergency and police services and wood burning.
While opinions varied in the “survey,” those in attendance seemed to agree with Uilkema, who stated that the diversity of the Valley’s economy must continue and be supported.
“While we struggle with the economy today, there is hope for Contra Costa County “There are opportunities and we should take these and run with them.”
To that end, Uilkema suggested that the county’s various chambers of commerce band together and develop a “Buy Contra Costa” initiative that would increase sales tax revenue to be dedicated to police use. One of the supervisor’s long-time projects has been installing a fingerprint identification system in all police cars, which is slated to be operational next month.
“I am aware that I have big shoes to fill and our staff and office will work hard. I believe we are up for it,” Uilkema said.
