"...she is someone who has a history of beating the odds." –The Sheet
"District 3 candidates discuss county challenges," The Inyo Register, March 31, 2022
1. What do you see as the role of a county supervisor?
To oversee our county departments and programs, review and approve their budgets, and also to ensure these programs are effective and financially sustainable. This responsibility also includes serving on various commissions and committees and enacting ordinances with the goal of improving the quality of life of all residents in Inyo County.
2. What qualifications do you have to fulfill that role?
I have over 15 years of experience working with local, state, and federal programs. I have a B. S. degree in criminal justice and an associates degree in general education. I served as the regional director of Los Angeles County for the Torres-Martinez Tribal TANF program. I provided oversight of four TANF offices and worked closely with our city and county governments. I reviewed budgets, developed policies, monitored grant funding sources, and ensured the compliance of our funding. I have over five years of experience as the Human Resources Director of the Owens Valley Career Development Center and understand the importance of leadership and staff development. Our employees are our greatest assets. I’m currently the assistant tribal administrator of the Bishop Paiute Tribe. In this role, I supervise multiple departments, develop policies, review budgets, participate in program development.
3. What are the top three challenges facing Inyo county and how would you address them?
Cost of living – We need to give relief to our residents who live and work in Inyo County. Shopping local is a great idea but not a realistic one for most residents to do consistently. One solution, an effective local discount to residents and community input on businesses and services that are needed in our communities.
Affordable housing – We need to look at all options such as developing affordable housing areas, rent control, and continue efforts to bring in more high-paying jobs and career opportunities. We will continue to lose our residents, workers, and businesses if they are unable to find affordable housing.
Public safety – We need to ensure that our local law enforcement agencies are servicing all areas in Inyo County and are hearing the needs of the communities. We need to coordinate with and promote programs that assist with substance abuse prevention and strategies to rid our communities of drug activity. We need immediate services available for our most vulnerable residents. Those experiencing homelessness, violence, and food scarcity.
4. What is a challenge unique to District 3 that the rest of the county might not be aware of and how would you address it?
District 3 includes the Bishop Paiute Reservation and is under the jurisdiction of the federal government, unlike the other areas of District 3. As a resident of the Reservation and a decedent of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, I am familiar with the challenges of services, funding, and jurisdiction concerns. I will work closely with all the residents on the Reservation to meet these and other community needs.
(Got a follow-up question for Kody Jaeger? Email info@kodyd3.com.)
