Siskiyou County Supervisor, District 3 Candidates Q&A

Mario Burch:
Out of high school I went to a trade school and received a degree in auto and diesel mechanics. I worked nights full-time during college for a major US LTL carrier. I graduated and came back to my home, Big Springs. I then worked for local ranchers. I moved on after a few years to work for a local ready-mix company as a mechanic /driver. I worked nights for a local log hauling company to help support my young growing family. In the late 90s, the timber industry was not doing well after the spotted owl pretty much put a halt to most timber sales. 1999 I went to work for Siskiyou County Rd Dept as a heavy equipment mechanic/ tire man. I needed a stable work schedule and health insurance as I had a young family. I managed/purchased/inventoried/installed Rd department tires, substantially reducing inventory and reducing budget by implementing strategies I learned working in college. 2002 I enlisted in the Oregon Air National Guard as an LEO also still employed by the county. Many leadership schools and Security Forces Academy, TDYs and deployments as well as state/federal missions allowed me to advance in the ranks to Master Seargent and currently Flight Chief of the Drill Status side of the unit. I’m still working on finishing another degree through the military. This history has taught me and has allowed me to put into practice the principles and core values instilled in me by my military career. Working with other state and federal and local agencies in real missions and training abroad. I also owned my own small cow calf/hay ranching operation with my family. Currently I own a small trucking company/mechanics/ag service. I also sit on the Siskiyou County Farm Bureau board as a director for 15 yrs.

Bianca Garza:
My bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on public advocacy prepared me to champion communities, strengthen public engagement, and work effectively within government systems to help drive meaningful change. For the past 13 years, I have worked in nonprofit and campaign leadership roles, giving me experience in managing complex operations, building partnerships, overseeing programs, and navigating challenges with collaboration and accountability. My work has required strong organizational leadership, budgeting, public communication, and relationship-building across diverse groups and agencies. In addition, serving on a local school board and working within a community-based nonprofit has given me valuable hands-on experience working with local agencies and navigating state and federal relationships in Siskiyou County. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how public institutions operate and how important it is to deliver responsive, transparent, and effective service to the community.

Mario Burch:
I have lived in Siskiyou County since I was about 4years old. I have worked in the county my entire life minus college years. The biggest challenges I have dealt with is the lack of resources.

Bianca Garza:
I have lived and worked in Siskiyou County for nine years. During that time, my family and I have experienced many of the challenges that rural residents face, including navigating limited resources as a low-income family, economic uncertainty, and the realities of living in a rural community with limited services. We also experienced the devastating loss of our home, vehicles, and dog in a fire. Rebuilding after that experience gave me a deeply personal understanding of disaster recovery, housing shortages, insurance and regulatory challenges, and the importance of strong community support systems.

Mario Burch:
I have managed budgets internally at the county during my tire dept period of work, military travel figuring out cost to feed and lodge troops and transport, private business my ranching /farming/trucking/ mechanic service.

Bianca Garza:
Yes, I’ve overseen small and large teams within nonprofits, businesses, and public service. I’ve managed a speakers’ bureau of nearly 100 people while working as a communications director for an issue-driven, state-wide campaign, and managed very small, but impactful and high-functioning teams of 2-5 people while working as an executive director of a nonprofit. I’ve managed small and multi-million-dollar budgets during my career as a school board member, executive director, and department head. I have developed and implemented projects up and down the scale- from state-wide campaigns to my children’s classroom; I understand the nuances of project management and am prepared to give comment and guide County staff.

Mario Burch:
Currently I own a small trucking company/mechanics/ag service, I worked in timber/agriculture most of my life. During my time at the road dept I have worked in road maintenance as well as a heavy equipment mechanic. My military career I have been an LEO for 24 years.

Bianca Garza:
I bring a broad range of real-world experience that has shaped my understanding of the challenges facing rural communities and local economies. In my early 20s, my husband and I built a live music promotion business that grew into a large-scale art and music event. That experience taught me firsthand the hard work, risk, and persistence it takes to operate and sustain a small business. Through my work in the nonprofit sector, I regularly interact and collaborate with emergency service professionals, land managers, and members of the agriculture, ranching, and timber communities. Those relationships have given me a deeper understanding of the importance of balancing economic sustainability, public safety, and natural resource stewardship. I also come from a family with deep roots in ranching and farming. While I chose a different career path, I cherish the strong connection to land, water, and rural livelihoods that shaped my upbringing, and I understand many of the challenges local producers face in a changing economy and regulatory environment.

Mario Burch:
Promote local jobs
Protect and Support Agriculture/Timber Industry.
Roads/Infrastructure
Public Safety
Fiscal responsibility/accountability

Bianca Garza:
Community Resiliency
Emergency Services
Natural Resources

Mario Burch:
Investment in roads and bridges are mostly existing infrastructure that is guided by existing regulation and code.

Bianca Garza:
There isn’t a need to separate these; upgrades to our roads, bridges, and current infrastructure fundamentally complement environmental conservation.

Mario Burch:
Streamline county regulations and make it easier for these businesses to operate. Push back on onerous state and federal regulations that are killing business. Attract industry by working with them to get them to invest in our county. Infrastructure and zoning are a large hurdles that detracts many businesses.

Bianca Garza:
While these sectors do not have the same needs and vary greatly between agency, family-owned, and corporate, I will identify State and Federal legislation that champions innovative solutions, funding & support for these sectors, then urge our elected officials to support Siskiyou County as well as work with entities like the Siskiyou Economic Development Council. I would support funding for new programs within the high-school system and the College of the Siskiyou.

Mario Burch:
Give LEOs what they need to provide the level of coverage the taxpayers want. Ensure they have the level of training to do their job. Provide adequate equipment to accomplish.

Bianca Garza:
In Siskiyou County, we face increasing threats from wildfires, severe weather, and other natural disasters, so our emergency response systems must be proactive, well-supported, and community-centered. I will advocate for stronger investment in emergency services, including fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and search and rescue teams. Our first responders need reliable equipment, staffing support, training opportunities, and clear communication systems to respond effectively during emergencies. Wildfire resilience must also include prevention. I support expanding forest health projects, defensible space programs, fuel reduction efforts, prescribed burning where appropriate, and partnerships with local tribes, nonprofits, state agencies, and private landowners. We need practical solutions that protect lives, homes, watersheds, and local economies.

Mario Burch:
That is a delicate balance but I will support housing or industry in locations that make sense. You must have growth or you have the decline. We have an abundant number of resources and we need to use them to employ ppl. It’s good for the ppl and it’s good for the economy. We also need to protect our agriculture/timber and water resources. I believe we can have both if we use our resources wisely and responsibly.

Bianca Garza:
Community planning should be locally driven, transparent, and balanced. Growth should respect infrastructure limits, water availability, fire safety, and the needs of residents. Our forests, watersheds, farmland, and open spaces are some of our greatest assets. Protecting these resources is essential not only for the environment but also for public health, wildfire resilience, tourism, agriculture, and quality of life. I support collaborative approaches that bring together residents, tribes, landowners, businesses, and agencies to create long-term solutions that strengthen both our communities and the landscapes we depend on.

Mario Burch:
My leadership style is very hands on. I will delegate to competent leaders when I need to. I am driven by results as well, I am also an authoritative leader (An authoritative leader is best described as a visionary, decisive, or commanding leader who provides clear direction while fostering confidence. This style is characterized by a “come with me” approach, combining high self-confidence with empathy to motivate teams toward a shared goal.)

Bianca Garza:
In no specific order, the leadership types I follow are transformational, democratic, servant, and bureaucratic. Every team and situation varies, but overall, my leadership style is collaborative and grounded in service. I believe strong leadership starts with listening — bringing people together, understanding different perspectives, and finding practical paths forward. I am hands-on when needed and focused on follow-through, accountability, and building strong working relationships. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to connect people, build coalitions, and turn ideas into action. I value transparency, clear communication, and thoughtful decision-making.

Mario Burch:
On many occasions I can recall listening to both parties at a board meeting and through discussion coming up with an amical compromise.

Bianca Garza:
With my current organization, I’ve helped bring together diverse stakeholders around wildfire resilience and land stewardship efforts. These conversations often included residents, environmental advocates, agencies, local businesses, and community members with very different perspectives on land management. Rather than focusing on divisions, I worked to identify shared goals — protecting communities from wildfire, improving forest health, and supporting long-term resilience. By creating space for respectful dialogue and practical collaboration, we were able to build partnerships that supported educational programs, fuels reduction, and community preparedness initiatives.

Mario Burch:
Policy needs to be followed but with that being said, the issue needs to be discussed researched so the facts are accurate. Questions need to be asked. Building relationships with people helps to effectively communicate and listen.

Bianca Garza:
It starts with respect. Complex issues are best solved through communication, transparency, and focusing on shared goals rather than political division. I will work constructively with the other supervisors, county staff, and agency partners by listening carefully, staying solutions-oriented, and approaching challenges being prepared. I value building strong working relationships and understand that progress depends on cooperation across different perspectives and levels of government.

Mario Burch:
The road system needs to be prioritized and mapped by importance and usage. The main arteries should be top priority. District goals need to be outlined and a clear plan to all parties discussed. Outside money and better management of our existing budgets need to be put towards more reconstruction project.

Bianca Garza:
I will advocate for prioritizing repairs based on safety, emergency access, and long-term cost effectiveness. Deferred maintenance often becomes more expensive over time, so investing in preventative maintenance where possible is important. I also believe the county must aggressively pursue state and federal infrastructure grants and strengthen partnerships that can bring additional funding into our communities. Rural counties should not be left behind when it comes to infrastructure investment.

Mario Burch:
Our economy needs to be growing; there is so much regulation protecting everything but the the ppl that are trying to just raise their family. Burn scars need to be logged before the resource is rotten.

Bianca Garza:
Siskiyou County’s environment and natural resource economy are deeply connected, and I believe we need balanced, practical solutions that support both ecological health and livelihoods. When it comes to wildfire resilience, we should start by protecting neighborhoods and communities first — focusing on defensible space, home hardening, shaded fuel breaks, and reducing hazardous fuels near populated areas. Healthy forests and watersheds are essential for public safety, agriculture, recreation, and long-term economic stability. I support active land stewardship strategies that reduce wildfire risk while protecting ecosystems. I also believe local workers, landowners, tribes, farmers, ranchers, and resource-based industries should have a seat at the table in decision-making. Rural communities are strongest when environmental stewardship and economic opportunity work together rather than in opposition. By investing in collaborative, science-informed solutions, we can strengthen wildfire resilience, protect natural resources, and support a sustainable local economy for future generations.

Mario Burch:
Red tape needs to be removed so ppl can move forward with projects. Jobs that are going to support a family need to be created. I believe in a stagnet economy it makes it even more difficult.

Bianca Garza:
I support strengthening local infrastructure, expanding workforce development opportunities, and supporting small businesses, recreation tourism, and value-added natural resource industries that fit our rural economy and character. We should pursue grant funding and partnerships that help bring investment into our communities without placing additional burdens on residents. Housing availability, reliable internet access, childcare, and strong schools are critical to retaining working families and young professionals.

Mario Burch:
You have to work together to do what is best for the people you serve. Communication is key and the interests of the people in the district are first and foremost.

Bianca Garza:
For nearly a decade, I’ve worked in conservation in Siskiyou County, so I fully understand the sensitivity and nuance of these issues. Collaboration is about listening and approaching the issue with facts. I support a hands-on approach to understanding the needs of our rural landscape.

Mario Burch:
Jobs infrastructure are the biggest challenges in district 3. I would continue talking with the community, economic development and potential business that might want to come here. Sacramento and our legislatures can play a big role as well.

Bianca Garza:
District 3 faces a combination of interconnected challenges: wildfire risk and emergency preparedness, aging infrastructure, limited housing availability, and the need to balance natural resource protection with working lands and local livelihoods. In my first year, I would focus on building a strong foundation of relationships and priorities by actively listening to residents, tribal partners, first responders, and local organizations across the district. Understanding on-the-ground needs is essential before addressing any shifts.

Mario Burch:
I have spent most of my working career as a public servant and I believe we can make our county a financially stable place for our children and future generations. I have vision and the ability to ask for help when I don’t have the answer. I also will listen to my constituents and can admit when I am wrong.

Bianca Garza:
I am running for Siskiyou County Supervisor, District 3, because I care deeply about my community and want to help ensure that we are safe, resilient, and economically sustainable. I bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach grounded in real-world experience working across different sectors. I’m used to working with diverse stakeholders, including State & Federal elected officials, Tribal Nations, and agencies, finding common ground, and turning shared goals into action. I also bring a strong commitment to communication and transparency.

Mario Burch:
In my conversations with the people in my district, I believe they want accountability in finance(gov) honesty and transparency. They also want communication and to be answered.

Bianca Garza:
With a long-serving Supervisor Kobseff stepping down, voters in District 3 are looking for thoughtful change — someone who understands local history and relationships but is also prepared to address current and emerging challenges in a practical way. People also want a supervisor who is accessible, responsive, and present in the community — not just in the boardroom. District 3 includes a wide range of perspectives, and there is a strong desire for someone who can work constructively with residents, other supervisors, and agencies without increasing division.

Mario Burch:
I have a list, I would hope you would be able to see the results by the progress that is tangible. The people I represent in the district will get updates in any way it takes to get the message out.

Bianca Garza:
If elected, I would measure success by tangible progress in the area’s residents care about most: public safety, emergency preparedness, infrastructure, economic resilience, and transparent, responsive county government. At the end of my term, I want people to be able to say their supervisor was present, collaborative, accountable, and focused on practical solutions that strengthened District 3 and Siskiyou County as a whole.

Mario Burch:
I believe we can make our county a great place to live for us and future generations. We have many issues and it will take community to find solutions. I look forward to hearing and serving my community. Thank you. Mario C Burch
“There is no limit to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit” – General George C. Marshall

Bianca Garza:
Transparency with residents is so important. Communities deserve clear communication about project priorities, timelines, and funding limitations. By improving coordination, planning, and focusing on practical solutions, we can make meaningful progress even within budget constraints.