Swanson: ‘Jobs and economic development are my top priority’
Angela Swanson
Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News asked the six El Dorado County supervisor candidates a series of questions. All are the same except for one that is specific to each candidate. This is the final installment.
Name: Angela Swanson
Age: 53
Occupation: City councilwoman, school facilities planning consultant, and grant writer
Education: B.A. political science, University of California, Berkeley
Post graduate coursework
What elected, civic, nonprofit boards or groups are or have you been affiliated with and in what capacity?: Councilmember, city of South Lake Tahoe 2010-14
• Vice chair and board member, Tahoe Transportation District 2011-14
• Board member, California Tahoe Conservancy, 2011-12
• Board member, CalTahoe Emergency Services Authority, 2011-14
• Board member, South Lake Tahoe Basin Waste Management Authority, 2010-11
• Board member, Tahoe Prosperity Center
Board member, Lake Tahoe Unified School District 2005-09
• Clerk of the board
• Approved two-way immersion program
• Protected class-size reduction
Member, Lake Tahoe Collaborative
Board member, Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation
Board member, Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe
Member, Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe
Member, Zawadisha
Steering Committee, 56-Acre Project (Lakeview Commons) 2008-10
Co-chair, Measure A/G Steering Committee, a $64.5M school bond
PTA president, Sierra House Elementary and South Tahoe Middle schools
Site Council member, Sierra House and South Tahoe Middle schools
“Team Mom” for numerous Little League and football teams
“Dance Mom” for 14 years with Academy of Dance Arts
Lifetime member, Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Traffic is horrible on Fridays and Sundays throughout the county. Will you commit to not voting for any big subdivisions unless there is a plan to widen Highway 50? Why or why not?: El Dorado County has traffic congestion caused by population centers along the 50 corridor compounded by tourists trekking to Lake Tahoe and Apple Hill. I’ve driven that route for 20 years and have watched the traffic increase. I am an advocate for a multi-pronged approach reducing congestion that includes expanding light rail rapid transit westward from El Dorado Hills, improving public transit to tourist centers, and tying residential growth to traffic mitigation.
I think it is oversimplifying to tie all future residential development decisions to the plans of a behemoth state agency, Caltrans. There needs to be a strategy to develop a transportation capable of handling resident and tourist needs that is state-funded without adding miles of highway lanes.
What is your opinion on a proposed November initiative to control growth?: There are currently several competing initiatives gather signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Years of high-density residential development along the Highway 50 corridor have led to gridlock. We must fix traffic first. I support the efforts to limit residential growth in favor of business and commercial growth.
What are your thoughts of making Lake Tahoe its own county?: I haven’t seen a groundswell of support for the region seceding from El Dorado and Placer counties to form a new Lake Tahoe County. What problems do we solve and how many more do we trade for?
After years of neglect, we recognize that we are not going to settle for mediocrity. This beautiful region is stepping into a new generation, and is already redefining a more robust economic base, rebuilding a sense of local pride and becoming an active and engaged community. We can demand more from and give more to county government.
What entities would you not take money from?: I would not take money from an individual or organization whose values or behavior I consider illegal or unethical. Due to the controversial nature of development politics on the West Slope I will not take funds from large developers.
What would you do to boost the economy?: Local job opportunities need to be broad-based and offer long-term viability. Thoughtful and effective government can help ensure our community can invest in its families, education and future. We begin, first, by stabilizing and expanding existing business. Second, we need to develop the infrastructure necessary to draw new economic growth. That infrastructure begins with adequate cell and broadband coverage, continues into infrastructure renewal. This includes private property both commercial and residential. Why would anyone invest in the South Shore if we don’t ourselves? The investment moves on to recreational facilities including bike paths. Third, we utilize the resources of the county’s Economic Development Division and jobs creation network, Sierra Economic Development Corporation, to partner with local business and community leaders to recruit new business. It’s time to harness county resources to build a vibrant, viable community.
What is the No. 1 issue facing District 5 and how do you propose to resolve it?: Jobs and economic development are my top priority, as I just discussed. Just as important is my commitment to return our fair share of the county’s budget and resources to District 5. The county is the primary provider of all human services, including senior services, child protection services, public health, corrections, and bus service. Our community deserves more return for its tax dollars.
For example, we talk about restoring bus service to Meyers. That can be done through social service program funding intended to support transporting those in need. A second example, the newly reformed recreation department only recently catalogued the recreation facilities on the East Slope. We’ve lost thousands of dollars in maintenance and equipment funding because they didn’t know what’s here. It’s time for parity in spending.
Supervisors meet only once a year in Lake Tahoe. Do you believe this is fair representation? Why or why not?: The Board of Supervisors needs to meet more frequently in South Lake Tahoe. I’ve already spoken to two supervisors about meeting in South Lake Tahoe quarterly. There is support, particularly if we also hold town hall meetings in other supervisorial districts as appropriate. The board needs to be accessible to the citizens it serves.
However, it takes more than holding the Board of Supervisors meetings in Tahoe to make District 5 truly present in county decision-making. I would immediately begin holding regular meetings with the county’s chief administrative officer, Terri Daly, and South Lake Tahoe’s city manager and mayor of South Lake Tahoe. These meetings build commonality and shared goals that will benefit families and build just representation.
Would you have voted for Red Hawk to be built and to divert Caltrans funds for interchanges? Those decisions are still negatively affecting the South Shore. Is there anything you would do to change the status quo?: I would have voted against the Red Hawk project as it was not in the best interests of my constituents. Moreover, the county failed to secure the compensation for first costs, long-term maintenance of the new infrastructure and community services. As for status quo changes. I think the ship has essentially sailed but the lesson must be remembered.
Would you support having more tax dollars from the county coming to the South Shore? Currently, more dollars leave the basin than come back.: Tax dollar leakage impacts all of District 5 and is a top priority. For instance, the majority of TOT in the county comes from the South Shore, but is primarily spent on the West Slope. The same is true of specialized funds for parks and recreation, transportation, etc. Getting these dollars back into our district will require prioritizing opportunities for recapture with staff, and then negotiation with my fellow supervisors during budget discussions. One example: The South Shore accounts for about 40 percent of the District Attorney’s Office caseload, yet the staffing has been reduced from five to just two assistant DA’s.
The county and city of South Lake Tahoe have a long history of not getting along. How would you propose to improve the relationship?: I am uniquely qualified to bridge the relationship gap as I am presently a member of the City Council and have an excellent relationship with the city manager and my fellow council members. We now have a council built on local collaboration and problem solving. We developed a local government which listens to, engages the community and encourages participation. I am ready to bring that same level of collaboration and cooperation to the Board of Supervisors.
Having served on numerous board (TTD and Conservancy, etc.) I understand the perspectives of both agencies in major policy areas. I know where we have areas of agreement and disagreement. I’ve also had a close history with the 56-acre (Lakeview Commons/campground) property and am part of its emergence as our community’s gathering place. It is the cornerstone for our shared recreation vision and an opportunity to shed old ill-will .
What is your vision for Meyers and how will you make it a reality?: It is the collective vision of the residents that matters. Meyers has a heart and soul; never more evident than at area plan meetings or when cheering locals welcomed home our Golden Girls. I have listened to many residents and understand the local pride, the local values.
Making those values real starts with a ZIP code. Meyers, CA 96155. Beneath the arguments over the area plan and Caltrans signal lights and the future of the Tveten property is an underlying hunger to be recognized as a community with places to gather and decision-making authority. Meyers, California, should be identified as an independent place. We would also look at creating a reasonable governance structure, such as a Meyers Community Services District, which would the local control issues such as bike paths, recreation and programs facilities and weigh in on development issues.
Why should someone vote for you over someone else?: I get the job done. My entire history in South Lake Tahoe has been about improving our community for the families that live and work here. From my first efforts at the Sierra House playground to the school bond to Lakeview Commons, I deliver. Second, I have the skills and experience to be effective from Day 1. I know the issues, have the relationships and the experience to negotiate with the four other supervisors from the Wet Slope. Third, I understand that making District 5 and El Dorado County successful requires relationships in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. They control the purse strings and we have to meet them head on.
How do you overcome a possible credibility issue when you gave up the seat you had on the Lake Tahoe Unified School District board, have spent the most taxpayer money of any City Council member on travel and took money for a nonprofit from a man now serving time in federal prison?: There is no credibility issue. The voters have elected me twice into office, proof of their confidence in my abilities. They understood that I stepped down from the school board a few months early because I was pursuing employment opportunities that could have taken me out of the region. By putting the needs of the community before my own and stepping down a few months early, I ensured that my seat could be filled and the school board would function properly with five members. Having served on the school board with only four members and more recently in the same position on the City Council, I know that was the right choice.
My travel reimbursements are for council approved activities. I believe, as does the council, that it is important to be educated on policy issues and to build relationships with our elected representatives and agency heads in Sacramento. I cannot answer why other electeds decide not to. The last item deserves no additional follow up, as the county district attorney has declared there was “no wrongdoing.”
What do you do for fun?: My latest passion is standup paddleboarding. Anything that gets me on or in the water is my idea of fun. I also enjoy biking and puttering in my garden.
Tell us something about yourself that people might not know: I rafted the Tana River in Kenya and rode a camel in the Sahara Desert.
This candidate is not worthy of an $80,000 salaried position representing SLT and the rest of district 5. Watching her performance at city council meetings, I conclude: She talks too much and says too little.
Her rabid support of parking meters tells me she is out of touch with the people that elected her.
Talking a sack full of cash from a medical marajuana shop owner may not be illegal, but it shows poor judgment.
Sorry Angela, my vote is reserved for someone who actually listens to the people……..you haven’t done that.
THIS WOMAN IS POISON TO THE COMMUNITY : I haven’t commented here over several weeks but I must expose this government tax an spend piece of garbage that calls herself a public servant. She was a backer of paid parking at our public beaches. She spoke at city counsel meetings in favor of raising revenue by taxing tourists that visit here. She did this so that the city government could have more money to spend. She has no understanding of what consequences her decisions have on the tax payers or the local economy. This woman can’t manage a government budget, but she can destroy one with her policies. This woman is an ally of the government workers that want pay raises and benefits at the expense of tax payers and tourists that visit here. And , I am understating the danger that this woman presents.
Pizza Eater, Calling someone a piece of garbage in a widely read newspaper is a bit extreme. I don’t agree with Angela Swanson on many things but I might suggest you tone it down somewhat just out of common courtesy.
Have not heard from you since you called, how are things? OLS
“What entities would you not take money from?: I would not take money from an individual or organization whose values or behavior I consider illegal or unethical.” Riiggghhhtt…
Hmmm… ” Riiggghht…” In regards to Angela Swansons reply to taking money from an individual or organization… That cracked me up! “Riiggghht”.
Thanks for the chuckle as that was the perfect response to Angela’s answer! OLS
Angela is about the working class, she gets it. I look forward to the public forums for the supes, we’ll see who knows the issues. My business at the Y is finally seeing daylight and the Tahoe Valley plan is the best thing I’ve seen produced in years. They are getting more (@)&! done than I’ve seen in the last 30 years and our town is beginning to look better. If she can get El Dorado county to actually spend some of our money in our town she’s probably best suited to give it a go. Norma didn’t get anything done. We all take money from the tourists, that’s our this town was built and it’s how we’re going to survive. Spending the money on fixing up the town, that’s a long overdue sea change and I’m glad to see so much of it in the last few years.
I agree with nothing this person has said or voted on.
To claim that the majority of the TOT collected on the South Shore is spent on the West Slope is grossly incorrect. If we had a local city government that “listens to” the community, we wouldn’t have the parking meter debacle. A more robust local economic base has not been redefined, except for increased taxes and wages for government. The county does not provide local bus service in South Lake Tahoe.
More government, more bureaucrats, more overlapping agencies, and higher taxes is not the sensible solution.
ARROGANT and speaks with forked tongue.
Angela Swanson has elevated herself above the people that elected her. She needs to put one of those eight thousand dollar parking kiosks that are sitting in storage in the back of her car and drive off into the sunset.
She claims to be “uniquely qualified”…….FOR WHAT??
Spending taxpayers money.
VOTE YES on MEASURE P to REMOVE the Parking Meters that she voted for.
Angela asked for our trust when she ran for school board then quit after a year for her own gain. She then used her seat on the council to get money from the marijuana stores, the DA accused her of bribery, know she wants use to trust her? you have to be kidding
Angela has been a great supporter of sustainability in South Lake – bike lanes, trash reduction, economic vitality, and our parks and community centers. I very much support her run for County Supervisor.
Main Street’s problems can be boiled down to three issues – excessive regulation, over taxation, and no velocity of money.
Until the size & scope of government is decreased, the tax burden is lowered, and banks begin lending again to small business owners, Main Street can take a flying leap. They’re done.
Government is not the solution to our problems, government IS the problem.
Funny that she thinks that she has an excellent relationship with her fellow council members. If so, after 4 years why has she never been supported by her peers to be Mayor or Mayor Pro tem? In fact, Cole has been mayor twice in her 4 years and someone not even elected but appointed, is now Mayor pro tem. Seems like she is not respected and thus would be a terrible leader. I think her following quote lacks her being in touch with reality and how she is really perceived. “I am uniquely qualified to bridge the relationship gap as I am presently a member of the City Council and have an excellent relationship with the city manager and my fellow council members”
Angela Swanson made the same pitch when she ran for the City Council. What has she done for the economy of this community other pass regulation and promote controversy. It would be a serious mistake to send her to Placerville and a seat on the TRPA. You can rest assured this district would be left out. Her relentless jabber would do a disservice to South Lake Tahoe.
If John Cefalu says no to Angela Swanson I may have to vote for her. Being a relative newcomer/taxpayer with only 14-years of residency/taxpaying in SLT I tend to think it’s best to vote against what those long-time residents with their over blown attitudes of entitlement support. They already took what they wanted from this City and only care about continuing to enhance their own assets. My preference is to elect someone who cares about the rest of us little folks. Too bad John Cefalu didn’t share who he endorses so I know unequivocally who not to vote for.
No candidate will work harder in Placerville for the future of this community.
Those who criticize her here are mostly in conflict over the paid-parking issue.
Funny how some can be so vehemently opposed to a viable revenue source,
yet have no real solutions themselves.
Angela Swanson, It looks like your run for a supervisor seat in district 5 has not been met with much support.
I will say I did defend you to the person calling you a ” piece of garbage”.
So good luck in the election as it looks like you’re gonna need it.
I would personally never run for public office. Too much grief and too many conflicting personalitys with enormous egos. It’s a thankless job, at least on the local level. Take care, Old Long Skiis
Local politics and competent representation are where the rubber meets the road for the vast majority of Americans. Once you get above county government, our singular voices seem to (and, in reality, usually do) get lost in the shuffle of big-boy politics.
The city and county levels are where tangible results can be realized. And while by no means are those arenas for the novice, we should expect the local elected to be learned and capable while remaining approachable, grounded and empathetic. They should be as immune as possible to the allure of power and privilege of status. They should not only say the right things, but back it up with a consistent stream of equitable action.
So, as I’m considering my vote at the city and county level, this is the criterion by which I evaluate the candidates. And, with all due respect, this particular one doesn’t pass the test.
PC: If the parking meters are a viable revenue source for the city why has the city council already shut down half of the program and put the meters in storage?
I find Angela Swanson to be very responsive: I had some noise issues with this years Snow Gobe (the fireworks on work nights) and I posted them on her Facebook page – she contacted me the next day, I got a call from the city person in charge of complaints about this event and was invited to tour the site to see what they’d done to mitigate the issues from previous years.
I don’t agree with her vote on the parking meters and we had a very respectful, reasoned discussion about it.
I think Angela would serve the South Shore well – both city and county.
As has been stated at numerous City Council meetings, it was always intended to alter the original Paid Parking Program after brief operation and the ability to perform Program evaluations. Paradise Avenue was eliminated because parking by individuals working in the Ski Run area and not wanting to pay for parking had encroached into the nearby residential neighborhood and the City didn’t want to continue to inconvenience those residents; and even though it had always been intended to discontinue paid parking on Venice once the shoulder season arrived, the City decided to discontinue the paid parking out there early since it didn’t bring in the anticipated revenue and they didn’t want to further inconvenience the locals wanting to go out there to walk.
Those are the reasons the City shut down part of the Paid Parking Program. All this information is contained in City Council meetings which people interested in being informed can watch on the City’s website.
For the record I support this viable revenue source, and I think that the users of what is the equivalent of valet parking should pay for their luxury parking space near the City’s desirable amenities.
Angela does not listen to the people. She has shoved paid parking down our throats knowing the people did not want it. Last year she sat at the meeting at the senior center and did no say a word about paid parking and 95% of the people were PO. She talks down to people when she is in her council chair. I know at least 1422 voters that will not vote for her. I can not believe she is asking for our votes, she should try the west slope. Thanks but no thanks Angela parking meters do not make money.
Buck, you said it! But to elaborate: First off the City does not need the Parking Money. Not that there is any when you take away the ticket revenue. But I guess if you tell a lie often enough, some people will believe it.
But secondly, 1422 signatures clearly and unequivocally states the citizens of So. Lake Tahoe are firmly against all paid parking!
To disregard the will of the people, yet still plan to run on behalf of those people, illustrates extreme arrogance!
I will do everything I can to insure that those 1422 turnout and vote for a different candidate!
Arrogance totally describes Swanson’s general demeanor. Arrogance, combined with a basic lack of judgement (as witnessed by not securing some documentation for or being involved at all in the bag-of-cash exchange) is a deadly combination in politics. It signals to the world that the candidate doesn’t think the rules apply to them.
The extended list of seats and positions listed shows me that this person is also one who has a pathological need to be seen and heard, and therefore prove they are smarter than the rest of us and qualified to run a small part of our lives.
My guess is Swanson would toss Meyers to the wolves so “jobs and the economy” could benefit by a few hundred (probably non local) workers being paid to build the”Hub” development, which she would then vote to tax heavily.
NO on Swanson for supervisor.
“None of the above” is looking like my best option, so far.
OLD LONG SKIS : This woman represents the worst kind of government representation. She has interests of creating more government jobs. That’s one reason she supported the paid parking. More people like her in government means that many citizens will not be able to survive on their incomes. She’s also bad for tourism. In my opinion I cannot be strong spoken enough against her idea of government. If she doesn’t like what I posted, she can sue me. She’s decided to run for public office, and she acted against the wishes of the citizens that elected her. Let her take the heat that she deserves. I stand by what I posted. It’s my right. I’m exercising the freedom of speech and press. It’s very rare that I speak ( or write) so ill of an adversary. But in extreme cases I make exceptions. This is one of those extreme cases where I make an exception. This woman is poison to South Lake Tahoe and she needs to be stopped. I would rather she withdraw her candidacy. Do me a favor and if you disagree with me, tell me why. But don’t you tell me to compromise my freedom of speech or press. I’m an informed voter that has something important to say.
I’ll now go back and read what other people posted. OKAY IM BACK . It looks like she’s exposed for what she is.
Pizza Eater, My sentiment was that you should not call someone a “piece of garbage” no matter how much you dislike them and that’s coming from an old garbageman of 31 years!
I was just trying to elevate the conversation and get rid of the name calling. You can still dislike someone and enjoy your freedom of speech. I was just suggesting you do so in a more respectful manner.
Sound “old fashion”? Probably so, It’s just that I think you can get your point across without coming across as mean spirited, hateful and foul mouthed making personal attacks. But then that’s just me and my view of things. To each his own I guess. Take care, and Happy Earth Day! OLS
OLS : I know what your sentiment is. You always want to be the good guy, that never says anything bad about other people. That’s your hang up. You can’t attack the bad people. This has become very clear here. The only exception to this is when people are accused of crimes. Then, you are able to say bad things about other people. But that’s because you feel you’ll be perceived as a good guy that is against crime. Your intent here has always been to represent yourself as being the nice guy. That may be okay with you, but it’s not okay for me. When I see something really wrong, I’m going to go to the mattresses. That means I’m willing to insult Swanson in this forum if I think its necessary. And yes, I think it’s necessary. She’s a very bad politician that is bad for this community. I’m done with you.
Sorry Pizza but Angela will get my vote, if you want better representation in Placerville for our community she is the right person.
The “Bag of cash” lady wants more cash from taxpayers and should be rejected. In my opinion, any public official involved with a situation that was very suspect and a major investigation and what looks like a coin-toss for the DA to prosecute as felony corruption shouldn’t be given any further elected offices or public tax dollars or public trust anywhere.
The parking meter queen strikes out!
We have to remember Angela is one of four council members that tried to stall if not stop their constituents from voting on paid parking. We will get to vote no to Angela and yes to repeal paid parking. This will also follow All the council members in future elections. Please; next time listen to the voters not staff!!