March 26, 2018 - Passionate, persistent, prepared, problem-solver – these are all words that describe Heather Bernikoff and the reason that I am supporting Heather Bernikoff for the position of Mariposa County District 3 Supervisor.
Heather Bernikoff will provide integrity, accountability, trustworthy leadership, a strong work ethic, unwavering support for agriculture, and make the tough decisions that aren’t always popular or easy because they are the right decisions. She can provide not only a unique perspective, particularly as a Native American, but also an innovative approach to solving Mariposa County’s issues given her experience and knowledge in healthcare, science, technology, small business, and policy. Heather is multi-faceted and multi-talented (from supporting agriculture and ranching to running her own clean tech businesses to serving on the Planning Commission). While serving as the District 3 Planning Commissioner, she attended meetings of the Catheys Valley Planning Advisory Committee as well as the Agricultural Advisory Committee and was elected by her peers as the Central District Representative for the California County Planning Commissioners Association. We are currently facing continued drought in California and, while on the Planning Commission, Heather was asked to be an advisor to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research on rural water, land use, and economic issues - a position which provided her with contacts at the state level that could well serve Mariposa County in the dry years to come.
In addition, Heather has an unwavering commitment to agriculture, the environment, and the economy of Mariposa County. She will work hard to strengthen and encourage our local agriculture industry as well as small businesses and entrepreneurs in the county and strive to keep them viable and sustainable. She is committed to being a good steward of the Williamson Act contracts and protecting the integrity of the program. I feel that she will bring a balanced and forward-thinking approach to decision making and that she will represent, not only the best interests of District 3, but also the best interests of Mariposa County as a whole.
It's time to stand up and be counted; time to move forward and not repeat the mistakes of the past; and time to elect a District 3 Supervisor who will be fair and base her decisions on data and actual facts, not emotion and personal interests or financial benefits. The people of Mariposa County deserve quality leadership. They deserve someone who takes civic duty seriously and will provide quality public service and governance. They deserve someone that can offer real world solutions to the difficult challenges that face Mariposa County. Someone who is independent, honest, and able to think creatively (outside of the box) to solve problems and balance the goals of all stakeholders, not just the few. Heather stated that she was inspired by retired Supervisor Janet Bibby, who is part of her campaign committee, to participate in government. Like Janet, we need Heather’s tenacity on the Board of Supervisors with regard to all issues that concern the county and the citizens of Mariposa, but especially agriculture, the economy, and the environment.
Please join me in voting for agriculture, for open space, for the environment, for locally produced crops and livestock, for the family farm, for small independent businesses and entrepreneurs, for the rural lifestyle, for preserving the Williamson Act, and for Heather Bernikoff.
Wave the Flag for Ag!
Cathi Boze
Catheys Valley, CA.
