January 28, 2024 

 Inyo District 2 Supervisorial Candidates 

Face Off 

 Inyo 350 kicked off the 2024 election season last Thursday with a County Supervisorial forum featuring District 2 candidates, held at the United Methodist Church. The following is a somewhat condensed report on the Q&A, held before a packed hall.  

First, a brief opening statement from sitting Supervisor Jeff Griffiths and challenger Laura Smith. 

Smith has lived in Bishop for most of her life, working first as a nurse then as a teacher. Her community involvement includes First 5 and Bishop schools. Smith served on the Bishop City Counci for 12 years. She promised to take what she has learned to the Board of Supervisors and feels there needs to be more teamwork between Bishop and Inyo County. 

Griffiths is a 25-year Bishop resident and “plans to stay here forever.” He was also on First 5, served as a foster parent, was a Bishop councilmember for two terms and is running for his fourth term on the Inyo County Board of Supervisors. With his participation on area organizations, he “knows what’s necessary to serve.” He currently sits on the Inyo/Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Standing Committee. He serves on the California State Association of Counties as well as holding leadership positions on other organizations to keep the State aware of Inyo County. 

Question: What is the most important thing you can do to help existing businesses thrive and bring new ones here? 

Smith felt the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bishop as well as local communities and organizations need to work as a team. She would find out what the public wants and needs, looking at all the ideas and asking local residents what they need. 

Griffiths explained government doesn’t decide what businesses open in the area. He highlighted current efforts to encourage new businesses and identify housing opportunities as well as other programs like the California Jobs First program, the attraction of sustainable recreation, the Small Business Development Center with access to loans and planning as well as vocational training through Cerro Coso Community College, efforts by the County Office of Education and infrastructure improvements. 

What are the plusses and minuses of exporting County resources and how does the County resolve competing interests? 

Griffiths cited a solar project, rejected by the Board, that would not have brought any benefit to the County. His approach to water exports was “to keep as much as possible here.” On the question of mining, he stressed how careful the County had to be to avoid negative impacts. 

Smith would weigh the pros and cons, look at the studies and environmental laws. “We need to look at what will affect the people who live, work and recreate here. She noted how terrible the windmill project along Hwy. 14 looks. “Our most valuable resource,” she said, “is the beauty of where we live. We need to protect that.” 

What steps are necessary to solve the housing shortage? 

Smith acknowledged housing was a problem. She works at the Soup Kitchen and knows people are living in their cars and camping out. She would look to incentives to build affordable housing. 

Griffiths noted that even the middle class and people who grew up in the area are unable to find housing. “We need the land,” he noted, adding that the County is looking at land owned by Inyo or the City of Bishop as well as the Silver Peaks project, with veterans’ housing, being stalled for the last 10 years. He added the County has developed ADU pre-approved plans and funding and higher density zoning. 

How can area tribal communities, the city and County work together? 

“They have to work together,” Griffiths said. He cited liaison meetings with both entities and efforts by the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments on mutually important issues. 

Smith agreed that collaboration was important. She did not feel the County and Bishop worked together enough and suggested quarterly meetings, citing smoke and tourism issues. 

Submitted Questions, starting with a U.S. Hwy 395 by-pass 

Griffiths would be in favor of a truck route with increased truck traffic from the Long Beach Harbor to distribution centers in Nevada. He suggested a by-pass on the east side of the valley which would also open up an area for light industry. “That’s a long time away but worth discussion.” 

Smith would want to figure out a way to not allow cars to use the by-pass. She has discussed a toll fee for cars to use the by-pass, once, or if, it becomes a reality. 

What about solar farms in Inyo County? 

Neither candidate thought that was a good idea. Griffiths noted schools have roof-top solar panels. “We could have them on disturbed areas like the Owens Lake,” he said. “But we don’t need solar farms.” 

How do we find employees? 

Griffiths suggested finding people who want to live here or “growing our own” with training. 

Smith agreed, noting the importance of housing and vocational training. 

What about food waste at the landfill? 

Griffiths explained there is already a mandate in place with non-profit groups working at land fills to separate organic waste. 

Smith stressed education and having recycle bins available. 

Would you vote for LGBTQ Pride Month? 

“We should support all of our communities,” Griffiths said. He noted the gentleman from Lone Pine who spoke at the Board’s session on a local Gay Pride event. The gentleman had been afraid to hold his partner’s hand in public, but said he no longer felt that fear. “Everyone should feel safe and loved,” Griffiths said. 

Smith said everyone had “the right to make choices.” She questioned whether activities “they choose” should be supported with public funds. 

What about open pit mining on Conglomerate Mesa? 

Smith  couldn’t say yes or no, explaining she’d have to weigh it out to make an educated decision. 

Griffiths explained there were a lot of problems with the project and the proposed cyanide bleach process would only produce a small concentration of gold. 

Land releases from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Housing? 

Griffiths acknowledged that been difficult for decades but a new chair at LADWP could “change the dynamics.” He noted that the department is also finding employee housing a difficult issue. 

Smith would work respectfully with the Department. During her first term on the Bishop City Council, she delivered a County gift basket to then Mayor Eric Garcetti, noting the value of developing relationships with Los Angeles. 

Improvements with the business permitting process? 

Smith thought people had to know the process, get advice and know the costs. 

Griffiths explained that is what the Small Business Development Center is for. He noted the recent City/County on-line permitting process and that both entities’ staffs were working together. 

What about youth prevention programs beyond the Probation Department? 

Griffiths noted recent changes and that the County was funding services and programs for at-risk youth. He talked about the foster care system and wrap-around services. “A lots already happening,” he added. 

Smith focused on mentoring programs and involving youth in programs like athletics, art and music. She added that help should be provided at the family level, “where it starts.” 

Efforts to protect the Buttermilks? 

Smith was not aware of over-use and noted the importance of positioning restrooms. “I don’t want to see permit requirements,” she added. 

Griffiths brought up the current planning efforts of ESCOG to provide restrooms. “We’ve already gone through a community planning process,” he said, running through a list of other projects dealing with dispersed camping, trail delineation, user groups, Tribal communities and adjacent residential areas. 

How can the County play a role in assuring Northern Inyo Hospital meets community needs? 

Griffiths pointed out NIH is an independent agency. “As a county, we have the chance to shine a light on the hospital, encourage it to be up front about finances and have the County Auditor look at the situation. We have a responsibility to be a voice for the community and make sure it succeeds.” 

Smith would get NIH reports, attend board meetings and keep in touch. 

Emergency preparedness, specifically wildland fires 

Smith would concentrate on wildland fire preparedness and education. 

Griffiths noted the focus on the issue over the last four years, noting the Ready Inyo website and the investment in a wildfire coordinator. He explained the issue had to be addressed in communities, with fuels reduction, noting the on-going “donut project” around Mammoth Lakes. 

Should the County promote OHV use? 

Griffiths noted the Adventure Trails program was about to sunset. 

Smith cited the popularity of OHV use, with the Chamber sponsoring a big off-road bicycle group. While people had to be respectful, she wanted to see more activities and bicycle routes. 

Both agreed on not having windmill farms. Griffiths pointed out they were not allowed in Inyo County because it is a military over-flight area. 

Rezoning Bishop for Mixed Use? 

Griffiths explained it already is, noting the potential for promoting business growth through mixed use through the downtown corridor. 

Smith loves the idea of mixed use; though it would be fun. 

Government transparency and participation? 

Smith thought the use of Zoom excluded people from meetings during COVID. Noting the Big Day in the Park, she liked the idea of making meetings fun with pie and ice cream. 

Griffiths said that while Zoom was challenging at first, it is now widely used. “Government is supposed to be the will of the people,” he said, adding that his phone number is available and he answers his phone calls.