Kubby: begin by tearing down the excessive regulations
Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News is profiling candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and Douglas County Commission. The stories are being published in the order they were received.
Name: Steve Kubby
Age: 63
How long have you lived in South Lake Tahoe?: One year in South Lake Tahoe, but 15 years in Northstar and five years in Squaw Valley.
Job/profession: CEO of KPAL, a biotech research firm. Previously, editor and publisher of Ski West magazine.
Steve Kubby
What would you build or tear down on the South Shore to make it great, as in what Whistler is like?: Aspen Ski Corp chose to go outside the U.S. and develop Whistler because there are fewer regulations and a lot less red tape in Canada. If we want something as grand as Whistler, we have to begin by tearing down the excessive regulations here in Tahoe. However, the only way we could actually become as desirable a destination as Whistler would be if Heavenly built a peak-to-peak gondola to Freel Peak. Right now, Whistler delivers an astonishing variety of alpine bowls, chutes and cliffs that is missing from the Heavenly experience. Opening Freel Peak would draw skiers from around the planet and provide Whistler with serious competition.
What form of recreation do you participate in? What recreation improvements would you strive to make in SLT?: I’m a skier, fitness fanatic and father. Unfortunately, there are few areas dedicated to kids, and we still don’t have improvements such as the athletic fields that were paid for in past bond measures. So the place to begin is to find out why the athletic fields we were promised were never built.
Recreation tourism is expected to be the driving force of the South Shore economy in the coming years, and according to a decade-old study, the majority of the South Lake Tahoe residents would like to see cycling-type facilities and maintenance projects. So, what do you specifically plan to do to improve our substandard, dangerous bike paths and lanes and roads beyond hiring a consultant to tell us how bad they are?: We can’t have a world-class resort destination if our roads and paths are like something from the Third World. Fixing our substandard, dangerous bike paths and lanes and roads should be a major priority for the City Council, not an afterthought. If I am elected to City Council, I will enthusiastically support programs to fix these issues as quickly as possible.
What are the three major issues facing South Lake Tahoe and how do you expect in four years to make it so they are not major issues when your tenure is through?: Recently, a local paper published a compelling narrative about the bombing of Harvey’s casino 30 years ago. As horrific as that bombing was, the South Lake Tahoe City Council has inflicted an even more devastating event that destroyed 44 businesses, demolished 577 rooms, left a 12-acre crater of decaying concrete, and has saddled the city with several serious lawsuits, all done in the name of redevelopment.
That enormous crater, euphemistically called “The Hole,” has been here for three years and shows little hope of going away soon.
Next, we have the huge crater left by the scathing report on our City Council, by the 19 distinguished members of the El Dorado Grand Jury. This report blasted the City Council as “dysfunctional” and concluded with a stern warning: “This Grand Jury is of the opinion that an accusation for malfeasance or nonfeasance by this City Council may be appropriate.”
As if these two craters aren’t bad enough, there is yet another huge crater we must deal with: the $3 million a year crater in our budget. Fixing these three craters won’t be easy, but I won’t be afraid to tackle these critical issues and do whatever is necessary to deal directly and honestly with finding solutions.
What compelling idea have you read in the citizens’ input of the revamped, in-progress update of the city’s General Plan?: Unfortunately, the city’s General Plan is irrelevant and, except for the dog park, ill-conceived. I’ve read the General Plan and it is a well-intentioned recipe for economic disaster. The city of South Lake Tahoe can’t even operate a parking garage without losing over $160,000 last year, yet its elected officials want to create a centrally planned economy, not unlike the former Soviet Union.
Even worse has been the blowback from the past actions of the City Council, which resulted in so much uncertainty and intimidation that local businesses are reluctant to invest in upgrading their properties. Until confidence is restored, we will be frozen in functionally obsolete infrastructure.
I suggest a good way to begin is to torch the General Plan and start over with something that 1) we can actually afford, and 2) will actually work.
How do you plan to boost revenue in SLT?: Now that the gaming industry is struggling to deal with the impact of Indian casinos, we obviously need a new draw. Fortunately, our city has three world-class medical marijuana dispensaries that can make the difference when it comes to destination resort choices. There are millions of qualified medical cannabis patients who don’t want to smuggle their medicine on a plane, or to be forced to buy from strangers once they arrive at their destination. For these patients, many of who are regular people with families, the opportunity to visit a safe, well run dispensary by coming to South Lake Tahoe is a hugely important consideration. Frankly, if SLT can tolerate casinos, it shouldn’t be that big a stretch to accept legal cannabis dispensaries as well.
What stands out to you in the 2010-11 budget?: We’ve dodged the budget bullet for the last time. There is a structural deficit of about $3 million and so far we’ve been using our reserve accounts to patch the hole. Unfortunately, the reserve accounts are exhausted and there is no plan for covering this deficit next year or for years to come.
What needs to be done to allow businesses to thrive in SLT?: I believe we need to do two things to create a better business environment.
First, we need to slash the red tape and burdensome regulations that make it nearly impossible for businesses to do anything in this city. Our current city regulations make a pile nearly six inches tall. We need to torch 75 percent of those regulations and then make sure we uniformly enforce the rules that are left.
Second, we need to take back local control from the TRPA. While we all agree and support the importance of maintaining our lake’s clarity, and while we accept the federal jurisdiction for navigable bodies of water such as Lake Tahoe, it is time to question the authority of the TRPA to operate within South Lake Tahoe’s city limits. I don’t believe a federal agency of mostly appointed officials has the constitutional authority to supersede, modify, or dictate to our city’s elected officials what we can and cannot do, so long as we conform to California state law. The TRPA may be a noble idea, but it is exceeding its constitutional authority and it is causing more harm than good.
What have you done to help South Lake Tahoe be a better community?: While on the Northstar board I found Placer County reserve accounts for snow removal that we didn’t need and converted the funds to fix all of our potholes and pave all of our streets, all from the county’s financial reserves. We urgently need to do the same here and I look forward to making it happen.
Since moving to South Lake Tahoe, I’ve been a staunch defender of our dispensaries and home medical cannabis gardens. I’ve spoken out against the bogus claim that a cannabis tolerant policy toward dispensaries and home gardens will result in more teen use of marijuana. Such assertions are proved false by studies conducted by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs. Studies by the state found that since the passage of Prop. 215, the number of ninth-graders reporting marijuana use in the last 30 days has declined by 47 percent. The answer is clear: if you want to increase teen drug use and make gangs and thugs wealthy, then ban the dispensaries. However, if you are genuinely committed to reducing teen use then you must encourage the creation of a safe, well-regulated program to support our dispensaries, as well as the patients who grow for themselves and for their collectives.
What boards, commissions, or other experience do you have?: I have been elected to and served on the Northstar Homeowners Board, as well as the treasure of the Northstar Ski Trails Condominium Association. I also served as a member and fundraiser for the Northstar Ski Team, as well as chairman of the annual Northstar Fire Department, Pancake Breakfast.
Why should voters vote for you over someone else?: Don’t think of this as just a campaign to elect me to City Council. No, listen to me: we’re here to make history. Beginning right here in South Lake Tahoe, we will redefine politics in a revolutionary return to common sense and smaller government. We are going to force government to become our servant, not our master. That’s how to think of this.
BlueGo, our public transit, is mired in lawsuits and bankruptcy. Do we need public transit on the South Shore? If so, how do you propose to make it functional?: Sadly, results don’t lie. Despite a dedicated and heroic effort by the BlueGo folks, mass transit has failed here and there isn’t any public money left to save it. The only hope left is for a private company to step in and try to make it work with their own funding.
If a private transportation company can’t foresee making a profit from public transit in South Lake Tahoe, then the City shouldn’t pretend that we can operate a public transit system successfully.
Do you support commercial air service at Lake Tahoe Airport? Why or why not?: I’ve spoken to the airport manager, who told me that his biggest problem is excessive regulations. So the first step in bringing profitable airline service to South Lake Tahoe is to reduce the role of local government in limiting airport operations. The City Council needs to get out of the airport business and let the private sector take over the operations and funding.
On the other hand, I’m opposed to nighttime take-offs and landings because of aviation noise when most folks are trying to sleep. Here is where I support regulations that set clear limits on noise.
Is there any individual, group or organization you would not take campaign money from? Why?: I’ve already turned down money from folks who grow marijuana illegally. Our medical marijuana laws are being abused by gangs and outlaws that hide behind the law, which is unacceptable. One of the biggest reasons I support our local dispensaries is that they make illegal growing unprofitable. If Prop. 19 passes, then we will be into a new reality. Until then, if you grow or sell marijuana illegally, don’t try to give me money and don’t expect any sympathy from me.
Nepotism and favoritism runs rampant in the city when it comes to hiring preferences. The council sets policy. What type of policy would you write regarding nepotism and favoritism?: Nepotism and favoritism have no place in our local government. Considering the “dysfunctional” evaluation of the City Council, an official finding by 19 distinguished members of the County Grand Jury, the City Council must address any appearance of unethical or questionable behavior. We need to set new policy and stick to it.
However, I would not favor firing any current employees simply because they are related, unless there is a clear reason to suspect a conflict of interest.
You have run for governor and president, why do you think the outcome will be different this time?: I ran for governor to counter the dishonest statements that Attorney General Dan Lungren made about medical marijuana, who was running against Gray Davis for governor. I ran for president because my fellow Libertarians asked me to.
Although nobody expected me to win those races, I’m certain that I have the right experience and the revolutionary common-sense ideas to make South Lake Tahoe an economic success story that other cities will emulate. That’s why I believe I can win this time: I’m the right candidate for the job.
You are called a one-issue candidate, with marijuana being that issue, how do respond to that statement?: My campaign is no more about marijuana than the Boston Tea Party was about tea. No, this campaign is all about freedom and forcing the government to keep its unwelcome nose out of our lives and businesses.
I have extensive experience as a successful ski magazine publisher, with 20 years in the Lake Tahoe area, and plenty of experience working with tourist bureaus. As a result, I understand why tourists come here and what it takes to make them come back.
In addition, my job as a CEO of a biotech firm demands that I have a good head for business, something the current insolvent City Council desperately needs.
Can you tell voters about your arrests and any time you served in jail?: After the passage of Prop. 215, those of us who led the campaign to legalize the medical use of marijuana were targeted by law enforcement for raids and arrests.
I was arrested for upholding a law I helped to write and pass, as part of an effort to discredit medical marijuana and its leaders. Although the marijuana charges against me were dismissed, I was temporarily convicted for some tiny fragments of a psilocybin mushroom and peyote cactus found in our guest bedroom.
That conviction was later “dismissed in the interests of justice” by Superior Court Judge David Nelson, on July 3, 2008, in Mendocino County. During the 40 days I was forced to spend in jail for something that was later dismissed, Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner visited me at the jail and apologized for what was being done to me.
Also, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution calling for my release. The entire experience opened my eyes to the incompetence and corruption that exists throughout our police and courts. I’ve spent the bigger and better part of my life fighting to protect the rights of my fellow Californians, and I intend to continue doing so as a member of South Lake Tahoe’s City Council.
Tell us something about yourself that voters don’t already know: In 1991, I was invited by the Navy to do a story about advanced military aircraft and tactics. I was issued a special top security clearance and given training that allowed me to actually fly a fully tweaked F5, one of the world’s most agile military jets.
While at the controls, I broke the sound barrier and exceeded 7 G’s. What is it like to pilot an aircraft that is so powerful you can break the sound barrier during vertical ascent? It is the ultimate adrenaline rush, with an exhilarating sense of total freedom and breathtaking views from the knees up.
The only limiting factor is how much punishment your body is able to withstand. As a result of the severe effects of pulling 7 G’s, I got airsick. Afterward, the Top Gun Instructors assigned me my official Top Gun call sign, “Chunks.”
Very good questions and answers. Steve seems like a nice, reasonable guy. My concearn is that he would like to turn South Lake Tahoe into a “marijuana tourist” destination, the Amsterdam of the Sierra’s. I do not think the sale of marijuana is the answer to all of our problems. In fact, I don’t think it is the answer to any of our problems. But I believe the 4 other members of the council would be able to reign him in if he were elected.
This comment is not an endorsement.
I don’t think we could be an Amsterdam, as I believe the state of California is full of dispensaries, something like over 200? Anyone have the official count?
This guy is borderline nuts.
I believe the British probably referred to the leaders of our revolution as “nuts”. I do not assume to compare Mr. Kubby with the likes of Washington, Jefferson, or other fore fathers, nor do I support his aim to turn South Lake Tahoe into a “Marijuana Mecca”, but I do agree with the majority of his other views.
Given the terrible job the past 3 or 4 City Councils and the current one have done. We need a change in our thinking and our approach to the problems we face. Mr. Kubby presents something lacking in current and previous councils, new ideas and new approaches.
Given the City Councils history and the sad state of our infrastructure, city finances, ongoing lawsuits, confidence in our elected officials, support for local business, responsible oversight of local projects, ….
we could do much worse.
We need change.
With the exception of his strange and bizarre views on marijuana, everything else he says make sense.
I wonder what “ski magazine” he published. Was it legitimate, did it have paid subscribers, is it still in business?
The boards and commissions he has served on are “mostly” very self serving and very limited for a man in his 60’s. Profiting his bottom line and adrenaline rushes is what he seems to live for. He is a rebel with a marijuana cause.
I agree with the nuts statement, he only wants to line his pockets, one agenda, ever wonder why he has moved around so much.
Those who would like to dismiss me as a one issue medical marijuana candidate, totally miss the point. I helped lead and direct a voter initiative that challenged the supremacy of the Federal government on the issue of the medical use of marijuana. Despite all the propaganda and raids, the Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly upheld our right as a state to make our own laws regarding medical marijuana, regardless of federal law. I believe it is time for the City of South Lake Tahoe to challenge federal hegemony over vitually every activity and property in the Tahoe Basin. My track record of success in opposing the Feds is just what this town needs to break free of the government’s iron grip on our economy, our future, and our lives.
Well Mr. Kubby, given your involvement with a company that both promoted and sold stock in cannabis, why would we NOT see you as a one issue candidate? Most REAL locals, who have lived here for any length of time, would prefer we promote the Lake, not marijuana. And what will you do if you don’t get your way this time? Run off to Canada again? You assume we are stupid and you insult our intelligence. This is not a “party” race and your comments are condescending, irrelevant, and disconnected with the average worker in Tahoe. We don’t need another self-serving aristocrat to move to Tahoe and tell us all how to solve our problems. You are NOT one of us!
Interesting how a few reefer maniacs try to paint medical marijuana as a “nutty” or fringe issue. Wake up and read the polls. Eight in 10 Americans support legalizing marijuana for medical use and nearly half favor decriminalizing the drug more generally, both far higher than a decade ago. It’s the reefer maniacs, who want to deprive sick, disabled and dying patients of their medicine, who want to force sick people to drive over the hill for relief, who want to throw our young people in prison with real criminals, who are wedded to a failed public policy, and who are, thankfully, the real nutty fringe.
This guy sounds good… All of you are nuts…
Thank you Steve Kubby for narrowing the race by showing how you would handle public comments, input and disagreements and thank you for showing how you would respond to those who have no desire in seeing our town become so focused on this issue of marijuana. Maybe you could get some of the other argumentative negative self serving folks in town to join your campaign but the rest of us are looking for a true change in the council.
We need people who can listen to lots of ideas even those they don’t have a personal or self-serving interest in. Your history of creating conflict in an effort to divide people into groups thereby gaining a false sense of support from one group or another has provided plenty of evidence to know we don’t need any of that.
We need people to bring us together not debate others into submission.
Field of 11, is down to 10
I don’t see the measurable economic impact to our community from the legal dispensaries. There must have been some studies to show what kinds of people (i.e., locals and/or tourists) purchase from the dispensaries and what the associated impact to our community is. If the dispensaries are promoted to help solve the community’s budget problems, then let’s measure the impact.
For example, high-end weddings bring in 100 visitors to the south shore community. The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) estimates that each visitor to the region spends an average of $775 per person for the duration of their stay (2009 South Shore Special Events Research report, stays average 4 days).
Higher end weddings include a reception at an additional $40,000 per wedding on top of what individual guests spend as visitors to our area. These weddings also include $4000 Facility rental, $3500 floral, $9000 photographer and videographer, $13,500 catering for meal, cake, and alcohol, $1000 hair/makeup, $3500 wedding planner, $2000 table/chair/linens rental, and $2500 for entertainment.
Therefore, each wedding brings $156,500 to our community. However, this direct cost is circulated several times within the community through induced spending by local residents. The November, 2007, “Economic Impact Analysis of Tourism on the Lake Tahoe Region” report by the Tourism Laboratory for Economic and Social Behavior Research (Dr. Brad Humphreys of University of Alberta, Canada, and Dr. Carla Santos of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) calculated the indirect net multiplier at 0.527. Therefore, the indirect dollars to our community is an additional $$82,475, and the total direct and indirect value is $238,975 per wedding.
Again using the November, 2007, “Economic Impact Analysis of Tourism on the Lake Tahoe Region” report, this community cost translates into 2 potential full-time jobs per wedding within our community – not just in the wedding and tourism industry but within all aspects of our community.
Our town EASILY handles 100 weddings per yer, probably 500. But, for arguments sake, 100 weddings brings in $23,897,550 and 200 jobs to our community. Someone else can figure how the taxes are calculated on this…
I suggest a similar analysis be prepared for the dispensaries so that we can get an idea of what the revenues and fiscal impacts are instead of speaking in broad terms.
“I was temporarily convicted for some tiny fragments of a psilocybin mushroom and peyote cactus found in our guest bedroom.” Mr. Kubby, I’m surprised that (1)you would have another illegal drug in your home, (not really) and (2) you also didn’t claim it too had medicinal and/or religious uses. What it really is, like marijuana, a drug to alter your senses, in other words to get you “high”
I only wish you and your other pro marijuana supporters would just admit that you want marijuana legalized so you can get high!
I like the man’s points, got guts to say what he says special in this snotty social class town of haves and have not’s.
If we got rid of all the haves on the council, we might not be so buried in corruption of those that have it all.
When the whole barrel of candidates are all guilty of some kind crime against the law books of social justice, social morals, I see no harm in this guy being part the change that might be a welcome voice.
You can’t judge a book by its cover or a person by the color of their skin or by the beliefs they state to in public comments.
There’s not one candidate running that doesn’t have skeletons in their closet, we just don’t need the town being ran any longer by scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours with a backdoor council meeting the public probably vomit if they heard the truth.
Anyone with common sense knows we all been screwed over the last 15 years by social agendas for a few so called someone’s to make a ton money at the taxpayers’ expense.
Lush life styles, selfish locals, can ride the next boat to the bottom of the lake ,we all be better off, I rather have a poor person represent the poor which is the majority of who makes up this population than a few bastards ,friends ,that keep running all us into the ground.
We need solution for the problems we already have, not more peoples dream projects that only take more money out the pockets that are having a hard time staying local.
If all the people on this thread knew of all the doctors, lawyers, nurses at Barton, dentist, professionals that have solid careers smoke pot, you be without a place to go where they are straight.
The world has changed in morals,wars for no reason other than power,same sex marriages,open marriage,morals 25 years ago have vanished to a majority of the u.s. population.
It’s a new world, nothing going to stop what change has in store for all us.
I find it absolutely appalling that some many posters on here sit in judgement without actually knowing the guy. To call someone nuts who is actually fighting for what he believes in is wrong. If more people would stand up for their convictions this society would be a better place.
Keep fighting the fight Steve!
Steve, I admire the zeal that you have shown in your outspokenness on local issues, but my perception of the basis of your platform is to have regulations eased here in the Tahoe basin. Well unless you just happen to have the governors of both CA and NV, those appointed to the TRPA by said governors, and all the members of the Lahontan Water Board in your pocket, your chances of that happening are slim to none! As far as the Hole goes, yes it is a mess now, but 75% of the properties that were torn down were nothing more than dilapidated eyesores. In my estimation the only comments any candidates should make about that situation should be focused on how we should proceed, and not wasted on who to blame for the current situation. And I also find your answer to the Blue Go dilemma a bit cavalier. Public transport in 2010 should be a top priority for any community in America.
Interesting how Mr. Kubby attacks others instead of the issues. Nice side-stepping on the one topic agenda; you say it isn’t ALL about legalizing pot and making Tahoe the pot haven,but that is all you defend.Anyone who dares to say that is not their vision for our town, or ask intelligent questions, is attacked with phrases like “reefer maniacs.” Methinks you doth protesth too much, Mr. K.
Steve Kubby’s the man, with realistic and compassionate common sense. He’s constitutional and ahead of the rest of the politicians. I don’t know many politicians who you can depend on more than Steve, especially in NV, whether it’s for simple individual rights or for aggressive approach to for real, change starting at the ground up. He’s the guy for the job. Don’t hate Steve just because of ignorance on your own end, get a life and support his opposition then, you haters in here are weak and childish.
What bothers me about Kubby’s single issue is the denial about the impact easy access to marijuana has had on the teens in this town. Furthermore, my teen son has been offered pot by a local grower outside of the “clinic” they supply.It IS being sold illegally! I am hoping Prop 19 passes so that we can regulate the hell out of pot, tax it, and treat it just like the other legal recreational drugs: cigarettes and alcohol. And I, for one, do not want to see our little town sold down the river to become a marijuana mecca!
OMG!!! Another one the machine will fight.
Steve Kubby’s comments following this article are arrogant, cavalier, stubborn, condescending, closed minded, inflexible, unrespectful, and intolerant of viewpoints other than his own. Indicates a very closed mind and intolerance. The last thing we need on city council is a Dictator like this, we have enough problems already.
…Assuming the poster really IS Steve Kubby.
Mr. Kubby, you prove my point. NOWHERE in my post did I say I was absolutely against the legalization of pot, and I am not against the use for medicinal purposes. I am STRONGLY opposed to this being the main issue for a council candidate and I do NOT want this to be the main attraction for our town. Yet, you attack me as a “reefer maniac” and a “nutty fringe.” Because I don’t agree with you? Don’t need your single-minded, prejudiced view point on OUR council. I say again YOU are a “johnny-come-lately and YOU are NOT one of us.Go back to Canada. Oh wait, they kicked you out too!
Matt, this isn’t NV, it’s CA, but I would be happy if Mr. Kubby moved to Nevada.
Mr. Kubby, from your own mouth:”…force government to become our servant, not our master.” – Steve Kubby
How are you proposing to be the “servant” of an entire community when you have a pre-conceived agenda to infiltrate our council and you arrogantly discount and mock all opinions that are not in complete agreement with yours? You are not a “servant,” you are a deceiver – same old same old. Our town has many problems and you aren’t listening; and you haven’t lived here long enough to experience what we have.Don’t need you, don’t want you.