SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Carmichael Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual Sacramento County Supervisor District 3 Candidates Forum on August 25. It was an opportunity for candidates Gregg Fishman and Rich Desmond to introduce themselves to voters and discuss the issues facing Sacramento County.

Gregg Fishman is a 40-year resident of Sacramento County and a graduate of Sacramento State University. “I love this community, and I’m running because I really do want to make it a better place,” said Fishman. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Arden Park Recreation and Park District and is currently serving as a SMUD Board member. “We’re keeping your lights on, even in the face of wildfires and other issues. We’re keeping your rates about 35% lower than PG&E and other utilities in the state, and we’re doing that with good customer service and a strong environmental record as well,” said Fishman. “I want to bring that same sense of public service to Sacramento County.”

Fishman also worked for California State Association of Counties for six years, where he worked side by side with County Supervisors: “I know what it takes to be a good Supervisor, what good programs for counties look like, and I’m anxious to bring some of those good ideas to Sacramento.” The top issues he hopes to address include economic vitality, social equity, environmental protection, addressing homelessness, reducing barriers to housing and land use, and public safety and health.

Rich Desmond was born and raised in Carmichael and is a fifth-generation Sacramento County resident. He’s a supporter of the American River Parkway, both as a user and as a volunteer. Desmond is currently serving on the Carmichael Foothill Farms Community Planning Advisory Council, and he recently retired as a chief with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). He said, “I dedicated 24 years of my life to public service. I am a big, firm believer of public service.”

Desmond spent the last five years of his career at the state capitol, working on legislative issues affecting local businesses and law enforcement: “During that tenure, I demonstrated leadership and collaboration and the ability to work with people with different ideas to get things done.”  His top issues include addressing homelessness, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and building public trust in law enforcement.

The candidates were asked for their opinions on how the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors’ handled the allocation of $181 million in federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funding, none of which was committed to small business assistance. Fishman said the process was flawed and should have been more transparent. He supports allocating funds to support small businesses and keep people in their homes and off the streets.

Desmond said that Board of Supervisors failed in their allocation of CARES Act funding; He believes that the Committee should have included community advocates and leaders from the medical community, the non-profit sector, and the business community.

On the topic of the County budget, Desmond said the top priorities are keeping people safe and healthy, and as Supervisor he would go through the budget line by line to eliminate any non-essential costs. Desmond said that if he is elected, he will ask all the Supervisors on the Board to take a 3% pay cut. If that suggestion is unsuccessful, he has pledged to donate 10% of his gross salary to non-profits. He also promised not to take away any funds from law enforcement, so he would not reallocate any money from that part of the budget to other community programs.

Fishman said that the County needs to stop spending money to get nothing in return. As Supervisor, he would advocate for a “spend a dollar, get a dollar” system where County funding can be spent as matching funds to get more money for essential programs. Fishman said his priorities would be protecting preventative programs and addressing the root causes of homelessness and drug/alcohol addiction. He said that keeping people healthy, safe, and in their homes is good for the economy.

When asked how the County can help keep businesses afloat during the pandemic, Fishman cited SMUD’s policy of not turning off electricity for lack of payment during this time. He also said the County needs to make it explicit that businesses can get creative and utilize out-door areas as much as possible. Fishman supports the reduction of small business licensing fees and suggested funding a food delivery program that would keep local restaurants in business while providing necessary meals to seniors. He said small businesses are full of “heart and soul,” and in this uncertain time, they need a set of clear guidelines to move forward with opening and operating safely.

Desmond said that small businesses are the “backbone” of the County, so it’s imperative that the County keep COVID numbers low so businesses can safely reopen. He believes the County needs to “let them innovate” and get government red tape and bureaucracy out of the way. He suggested a “safe practice certification” for businesses that meet the recommended public safety guidelines, so customers would feel comfortable doing business there.

On the topic of whether Sacramento County residents are taking the pandemic seriously, Desmond said that it is “crucial” that we follow the science and provide clear directives for residents and businesses. He encouraged everyone to follow the guidelines of washing hands, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Fishman said that progress has been made in the County as people do a better job of following the guidelines, but we “can’t get complacent.” He said, “If we all do this together, we can make a difference and bend the curve.”

Asked about racial injustice in the County, Fishman said there are a lot of people in the community who “don’t feel safe all the time.” He said they need support, and we need to have hard conversations about effectively addressing the issues from the top down. His priorities in law enforcement include body cameras for officers, a recruitment process that is reflective of the community being served, and implicit bias training.

Desmond acknowledged there has been a lot of hurt and pain from racism that he will never fully understand, but what he can do is seek to understand and to “keep listening.” He said, “Black lives matter,” and that if the black community doesn’t feel their lives matter to law enforcement officers, then law enforcement has failed. He supports better psychological testing and aggressive investigations of officer misconduct.

Desmond said he would bring leadership experience to the role of Supervisor and that as an Independent he would not be beholden to any political party. He said the many small, unincorporated communities in District 3 need a voice and an advocate.

As Supervisor, Fishman said he would bring his own ideas for addressing homelessness and economic development, but he said the most important thing he will do is listen to residents and work to meet their needs by making thoughtful, purposeful decisions.