Questions for Supervisor Wheeler

Letter to the Editor for July 9, 2009 edition

(Updated: Thursday, July 09, 2009, 6:20 PM)

Dear Editor,

At January's Town Hall meeting, Supervisor Wheeler was reminded of, encouraged to, and given suggestions on how to keep his Web site promise of better communication.

Today's technology enables ongoing and timely communication. Since January, instead of better communication, his constituents are getting less. His Web site had: "Upcoming Projects" + "New Issues," "Your Positions," "Latest News" and "Media."

Here are a series of questions for Supervisor Wheeler:

Instead of using your Web site to communicate with constituents, why did you eliminate all from your Web site except "Media?" We signed up for your e-mail broadcasts; why haven't we received any information? Supervisor Dominici's and your absence at the critical October 2008 Air Quality Control Board was questioned in January. You stated you were no longer an alternate.

Why did you avoid answering the question when your Web site states you were an alternate through at least January 2009? Why do you not list your Air Quality Control Board appointment under Past Participation Committees?

Fresno River and other Madera County waters are proposed for listing as 303(d) Impaired, which could result in unfair and costly handling of residential septic systems in conjunction with AB885 (as you mentioned). You are the lone signatory of a good letter opposing Fresno River as a 303(d). I'm guessing Jill Yager may have contributed to that letter.

The Madera Board of Supervisors authored a good letter supporting AB268, which would repeal important sections of AB885 (as you mentioned).

Why didn't the entire Board of Supervisors sign off on the 303(d) letter? Why haven't you kept your constituents in the loop so we could write additional letters of support?

The following greatly impact all of Madera County: AB32, SB375 and San Joaquin Blueprint.

What is your position on each and why? Vulcan Quarry is potentially the second of four quarries proposed for Madera County. The first quarry lost a lawsuit involving the neighbors and is still in litigation.

What really are the water, traffic, air quality and noise impacts to Eastern Madera County? Who opposes Vulcan and why? Supervisor Wheeler voted against accepting a million dollar settlement.

Why did you vote against the County receiving a million dollars?

Recently, at a Board of Supervisors meeting, you stated that, politically, an elected official should not inform his constituents when another County official was doing a bad job.

If you do not inform your constituents, who should? At a recent Planning Commission meeting, a Coarsegold heavy equipment business requested Commissioners legalize his business in a residential neighborhood. Staff and Planning Commissioners denied his request.

If a similar situation arises in the future, will you ensure Code Enforcement corrects the situation as soon as you are made aware of it?

Supervisor Wheeler, you have stated at a Board of Supervisors meeting, you understand your constituents do not want Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, yet your Web site lists you as a current member of the YARTS Committee.

Does that mean that you still are promoting YARTS against your constituents' wishes? If no, will you represent your constituents by actively opposing YARTS?

Last Question: Will you promise to keep all your constituents informed and updated on a timely basis or should Eastern Madera County be looking for another supervisor?

Lou Aceto, Oakhurst