Board of Supervisors District 5 Candidate Questionnaire

Ben Bishop:
I have been a Logging Contractor active 2003 thru 2016. I understand Forestry and the logging trade. I understand production vs inputs and profitability. I have been on home construction sites as a cabinet maker. I have listened to many homeowners and contractors complain about the high cost and impractical requirements of this county’s building and planning permits. I have shod horses at ranches whose cattle are being killed regularly by wolves. So am I qualified to manage? Yes, I know hard work and business principles. But I also know what changes need to be made to give control back to people on their own property.

Carl S. Hammond:
I graduated from CSU Chico with a BS in Agricultural Business, with an emphasis in marketing. My education provided me with a strong foundation in critical thinking and the ability to apply complex concepts to real-world scenarios.
Wanting to see what was ‘out there’ and with the encouragement of my family, I gained valuable experience in the corporate workforce. During this time, I came home frequently to help out on the ranch. With the ability to ‘work from home’ it was time to return to Siskiyou County. I have a well rounded background, having balanced corporate roles and agricultural work. I am eager to apply my diverse skill set and professional background to assist our community as we pursue growth and new opportunities.

Ben Bishop:
I have lived my entire 47 years in Siskiyou County. I grew up in Seiad Valley along the Klamath River and graduated from Happy Camp High School 1997. Starting in the late 1980’s through the 1990’s, I watched our communities within the Klamath National Forest decline due to the destruction of the timber industry and its infrastructure. In Siskiyou County, I have seen at least five vernier and sawmills close in my lifetime. Unreasonable and ineffective environmental policy resulted in a total halt of any significant forest management on federal forest. Similar policies have now been adopted by the state of California, and restrict and increase costs of proper management on private timberland as well. The attack on the Ag industry in our county is ongoing and driven by the same methods used to kill the timber industry. The environment has experienced great devastation due to the results of these policies designed to protect it. The same results follow in all our communities. How to control those policies continues to be the biggest challenge facing Siskiyou County.

Carl S. Hammond:
I am a Scott Valley native; I am 49 years old,  my roots run deep, I am a member of the Karuk Tribe on my mothers side, and my fathers side has been in this area since the 1800’s.  As a rancher state and federal regulation pertaining to water and maintenance of water rights have been an annual frustration.  Water curtailment is now an annual reality, regulation, monitoring and associated paperwork mount with each year.  We have witnessed many farmers and ranchers across the state forced out of business due to the ESA and increasing regulation.  CDFW has introduced the gray wolf and it is knocking on our door.  Our neighbors in the Shasta and Butte Valleys are dealing with this nightmare and I am learning more in order to support the effort to lessen the threat.

Ben Bishop:
Yes, in private business only. Examples include communications and strategizing with CPA’s, foresters, land managers, attorneys etc. I have overseen normal corporate processes, including payroll, profit/loss, taxes etc. I have been required to manage one or two logging crews at a time and subcontractors associated with a logging company (trucks, timber fallers, foresters, road construction crew). Negotiated and executed timber harvest contracts with Sierra Pacific Industries, Timber Products, Roseburg Forest Products, Trinity River Lumber Co., Rough and Ready Inc., USFS, and Cal fire.

Carl S. Hammond:
I have worked on multiple commerce teams planning businesses and managing budgets.  Currently, I serve as an ecommerce planning consultant, where I assist companies in forecasting and financial planning.  In a nutshell I forecast sales and work with the team to buy inventory to support the forecast.  I then work with the marketing team to create promotional strategies to meet sales and margin goals. By analyzing data and market trends, I help management teams allocate budgets effectively to meet their financial goals

Ben Bishop:
Yes, I have owned small businesses including a logging company, a farrier service, an outfitting service, and a sawmill. All my work experience has been in timber, ranching, heavy equipment and road maintenance.

Carl S. Hammond:
I operate as a freelance consultant to a few ecommerce companies.  My partner and I also manage and run the day to day operations of a cow/calf operation, Scott Valley Angus, in Etna.

Ben Bishop:

1. Protection of property rights: examples include water rights, wolves, and building and planning permits.
2. Balance and reduce the budget.
3. Reduce property tax and incentivize not penalize improvements.
4. Promote industry by removing unreasonable regulation that prohibits development.
5. Improve the county’s relationship with tribal leadership to benefit the whole community.

Carl S. Hammond:

Economic Development
Agriculture
Forestry
Business

Ben Bishop:
If we don’t have well maintained roads, bridges, and infrastructure, we can’t effectively manage our natural resources. Normal maintenance and development of infrastructure does not negatively impact the environment due to the fact that both exist intact. The most significant threat to our environment and conservation are the management policies of the state and federal government. Using and managing the land is the best conservation practice.

Carl S. Hammond:
Public safety via maintaining our roads and bridges is a county priority, we see that daily.  State agencies largely oversee and gatekeep environmental concerns.  The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires state and local agencies to review proposed projects for their impact.  New roads and bridges would also need to meet criteria.  Significant weather can/has caused damage, and the county is able to declare emergencies in order to fix.

Ben Bishop:
The Siskiyou county government should not be a roadblock to economic progress. I will work to remove any unreasonable policy at the county level that restricts our local industry. I will challenge any state or federal policy that attempts to supersede our water rights, or causes loss or damage to property (wolves/grizzlies). I will challenge any obstruction to access our natural resources based on unrealistic ESA regulations.

Carl S. Hammond:
Agriculture is struggling under regulatory pressure and the negative impacts of state agency policies, specifically the introduction of wolves and water curtailments. As Supervisor, I will support our producers by working to mitigate regulations and programs that decrease productivity, threaten livestock, and communities.

The timber industry has suffered greatly from regulation, starting with the spotted owl, and now the closure of our local mill in Weed.  We have a skilled workforce and need to foster new ideas and business venture’s that come forth.  Timber sales (government owned) were once a larger source of county income supporting our schools, I would gladly support opportunities to utilize one of Siskiyou counties greatest assets. 

We must foster a culture of support for emerging local entrepreneurs.   Rural communities nationwide are increasingly leveraging e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace to expand their reach, we should encourage and provide educational resources to help our local artisans and business owners succeed in these digital ventures.

Ben Bishop:
The most significant “natural disasters” here are forest fires and floods. The US Forest service refuses to manage our forests and environmental activists have successfully removed our dams and therefore our ability to control flooding on the Klamath River. Due to this increased risk, adequate funding to the sheriff’s department continues to be necessary for communication and public safety. Existing fuel breaks from past fires need to be maintained routinely as part of a proactive risk management tool. Fuel reduction and flood control measures need to be promoted. Our people need to have access to affordable homeowners insurance.

Carl S. Hammond:
Wildfires are a certainty, and every community must be prepared. The County OES will continue working with communities to develop pre-fire season communication and emergency strategies. As Supervisor, I will actively interface with community leaders, state and federal fire assistance agencies. Our Sheriff’s office has jurisdiction and responsibility for our public safety in all matters.  The Sheriff has implemented town hall meetings across the county, I will attend and encourage the community to be involved. 

Ben Bishop:
Usable ground, near utilities and away from residences, should be zoned for industrial application if the property owner wishes. A planned housing development that is sensible, should be streamlined and promoted. Especially small acreage parcels for working families. Natural resources should be protected with good management principles. You cannot protect them with a non-management approach. Good management actually preserves and increases the quality of natural resources.

Carl S. Hammond:
In the Scott Valley, I am a proponent of the area plan and its role in preserving open spaces. However, in order to allow for growth and development, we should consider rezoning non-agricultural land for developmental uses where sensible, while remaining mindful of our resource infrastructure.  Rezoning projects come before the BOS and I would make sure that we follow our plan guidelines.

Ben Bishop:
I am sensible, open minded, realistic, priority driven, and hands on. I have raised ten kids, ran many logging crews, and have had many problem solving opportunities. I have always gotten along with my neighbors and business colleagues effectively. I have led negotiations on many business contracts, timber sales, and other land management operations.

Carl S. Hammond:
Throughout my education and career, I have remained solutions-oriented. When discussing issues or a problem I look to provide creative answers with the goal of creating an opportunity to learn and grow. I believe it is essential to remain positive and, most importantly, include the entire team in the process. Engaging everyone in the solution ensures that our collective energy is aligned and minimizes future discontent.  

I am a member of the Farmers ditch and am a vocal proponent of working together to save farms and fish.  Historically these two clash, however, collectively Farmers Ditch, Cal Trout, Scott River Water Trust and the Yurok tribe have been working to enhance on farm efficiencies, freeing future water for the river, as well as instream restoration of the upper Scott River.

Ben Bishop:
Be reasonable, educated, and resolute. If it is not right or feasible, you have to hold your ground in a polite and respectful manner.

Carl S. Hammond:
This is reflected in my leadership style.  I will do my homework be factual based and not be afraid to ask hard questions that may be unpopular.  On the state/federal level I know that the counties hands may be tied at times, but the voice of the people in district 5 and Siskiyou County must be conveyed with facts, not feelings, to inform complex issues.  It is my experience that agencies are difficult find middle ground with, but there is always a possibility to find one.

Ben Bishop:
I would pay visits to individual road department shops and ask supervisors what they need, what the challenges are, and why things are in the shape they are in. I would assess private contracts if necessary to increase efficiency or feasibility. Mario Burch will be a great addition to the board of supervisors as a resource for operational information pertaining to the road department.

Carl S. Hammond:
With a limited budget and numerous needs, public safety is my top priority. Public works will be charged with identify projects that meet the most needs of the community.  I will prioritize infrastructure that directly enhances the safety and security of our communities. Ultimately, the budget must be balanced, and expenditures will not exceed forecasted revenue.

Ben Bishop:
I would balance with proactive management of all natural resources. Activists have wilderness areas for their non management ideals, and we can observe the failure of that approach. Most opportunities to manage our natural resources are not offered to the county. The state and federal government maintain control of that responsibility. However, educating the public about those failed policies could be an effective tool to enact change. The county should provide a better economic environment with low regulation, ample industrial zoned land, and inexpensive and reasonable permits/taxes. These are all essential elements to utilizing the products of well managed, natural resources.

Carl S. Hammond:
Wildfires are a certainty, and every community must be prepared. The County OES will continue working with communities to develop pre-fire season communication and emergency strategies. As Supervisor, I will actively interface with community leaders, the Sheriff’s office, and state and federal fire assistance agencies.

Ben Bishop:

• Less regulation and taxes.
• Better education opportunities to learn trades and the natural resource industry.
• Protection of water rights and cattle from the state’s actions so that farming and ranching would be once again viewed as a promising and viable career option.

Carl S. Hammond:
Entrepreneurs are popping up everywhere.  I know there have been some frustration with regulatory process and would see that permits and county regulations are expediated.

Retention of youth and families in Agriculture locally and nationally is an issue.  As a supervisor I would support individuals and BOS initiatives to push against regulations affecting the ability to profitably farm, ranch, and utilize natural resources.

I would promote our district and county to think and shop locally.  I know it’s hard because Oregon is so close, but we must support locally when possible.  On example, Shasta Valley Producers, have launched great campaigns that we can learn and build upon

Ben Bishop:
There has been very little collaborative governance in my view. The money that enters the county government from the state is allocated and its use unchallenged. Most regulations that the state hands down to the county for them to enforce, I would reject. The board of supervisors should provide leadership to navigate and provide solutions for the betterment of the people and their livelihood.

Carl S. Hammond:
The Siskiyou General Plan is being updated and now is the perfect time for everyone to contribute.  The planning commission meetings are open to everyone, if you are interested let your thoughts be known.   That document as well as area plans are a compact with the community outlining the counties future growth.  I will review projects through the lens of our county’s ‘handbook’, this is the will of the people.  Water rights are legally adjudicated and along with private property rights should be fought for and protected. 

Ben Bishop:
The fact that most of the timber resources in District 5 are within the Klamath National Forest is a challenge. The USFS is incompetent and incapable of proper management and our communities and environment have suffered as a result. Communication up the chain of command with an administration willing to take action is key.

Another challenge is the state of California’s attack on private property rights. The Sheriff and the Board of Supervisors have an obligation to get between the people and the state to help them defend the rights they have. The state took our dams. They are taking our water rights. They are killing our cattle. People are losing hope that our county is capable of helping them. I am willing and ready to be the voice of the people in District 5 against the challenges.

Carl S. Hammond:
Balancing environmental concerns with economic necessity. District 5 is largely agricultural and government regulation (water curtailment) and programs/agendas are affecting the way we are able to utilize private property.  Private property right infringement based on unsubstantiated environmental claims have made it difficult to optimize economic opportunities.  We have historically been the best stewards of the land; you only have to look around to see that.

Ben Bishop:
I am running for all the reasons stated above. I love the county for its beauty and community. It has been unfortunate to witness the decline of both. We live in a very special place that deserves the best solutions that those before us have already overcome. My unique perspective is that very fact. Many examples of development and improvements once led to prosperity and opportunity without harming the environment. The lack of proper management and the subsequent decline of the associated industries, has genuinely harmed our environment and communities deeply.

Carl S. Hammond:
I am running for Supervisor because I am committed to advocating for our community and our economy. I am solutions oriented, I bring and support those with constructive ideas. I have a well rounded background having living in the Bay area working for large corporations, managing my personal consulting venture, as well managing an agricultural business. My lens is multifaceted as I have heard and understand arguments from both the urban and rural perspective.  Many urban arguments are based on sentiment; however, I believe that fact based reasoning and logic must be used to win the day.

Ben Bishop:
I think they are looking for fresh energy and ideas. They are looking for someone to stop the spiral down further into standard bureaucratic quagmire. They are looking for a candidate to stop the taking of more taxes in return for less results. American people generally do not want or need more rules and regulations. Innovation and development are the fruit of individual liberty and the protection of those rights.

Carl S. Hammond:
The people of district 5 need someone who will hit the ground running, is current on issues and, and will fight for their best interest.  I personally want to see more communication and community involvement and input.  It is our future, be a part of its shaping.

Ben Bishop:
If elected, I plan to regularly communicate successes and failures with the communities within District 5. The people should be made aware of what is actually happening within the county. I would measure my success only by the results achieved and communicate that clearly and realistically. They would know exactly who and what is responsible for positive or negative results.

Carl S. Hammond:
Success will be measured daily; I will seek feedback from the community frequently.  There will be plenty to learn and many of the experts are living the reality of our decision making every day.  The ultimate measure will be that a larger percentage of people are informed about issues facing our county.

Ben Bishop:
I appreciate all the people’s support and am committed to honesty and to always remain genuine. High voter turnout is extremely important in the June 2 primary election. Change in Sacramento will provide relief to Siskiyou County’s government and people. The people are ready for Change. Don’t let them down!

Ben Bishop – Ben Bishop is on Facebook, a public page and on Instagram

Carl S. Hammond – Facebook Page:  Carl Hammond for Supervisor
Email: [email protected]