Earlier this week, the RCRC Board of Directors adopted a new policy to offer a support position for Gubernatorial appointees during the California State Senate’s confirmation process.
“RCRC is the preeminent voice on issues impacting California’s rural counties, and it is important that the organization is able to advocate for state government leaders that recognize the challenges that rural communities face,” said Matt Kingsley, RCRC Chair and Inyo County Supervisor. “California’s government relies on a large number of appointees – most who are selected by the Governor – to operate a number of state agencies, boards, and commissions. These entities (i.e. the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Transportation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife) have a large impact on rural county governments and the communities they serve.”
In their first official action regarding this new policy, RCRC officially endorsed the confirmation of Chief Thom Porter as the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and Wade Crowfoot as the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Secretary Crowfoot’s nomination will be considered by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, while Chief Porter’s review in the State Senate is likely to occur later this spring.