Press Release | January 14, 2021
SACRAMENTO, CA

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RCRC Installs 2021 Officers and Presents Rural Leadership Awards

 

          The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) installed its 2021 Officers and presented its Rural Leadership Awards at their virtual reception yesterday. Mono County Supervisor Stacy Corless was installed as Chair. Nevada County Supervisor Dan Miller was installed as 1 st Vice Chair. The 2nd Vice Chair will be occupied by Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter. Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel remains an Officer as Immediate Past Chair. Congressman John Garamendi (D-Yolo) administered virtually the official Oath of Office during the RCRC Board of Directors meeting. The newly installed Officers will lead the organization in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.

          “I am honored to have been selected by my colleagues from counties across the state to lead RCRC this year,” said Supervisor Corless. “We all hope that in 2021 we can put the pandemic behind us and focus on a number of other critical issues for rural counties and all Californians. The top priority for RCRC is wildfire prevention, mitigation, and the process of rebuilding communities after unprecedented devastation and loss. The Mountain View Fire that destroyed homes and took a life in the community of Walker in northern Mono County this past November is a recent reminder of why we must urgently seek a comprehensive approach to wildfire policy.”

          In addition to the Installation of Officers, Rural Leadership Awards were presented to two public officials who have demonstrated an understanding of, and leadership in, rural issues and the unique challenges that rural communities face. Former Congressman (and current member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors) Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) was the first recipient of the 2020 Rural Leadership Award.

          “Paul Cook and his staff’s commitment to be accessible and engage in issues important to both the rural counties he represented and rural counties across the state was impressive,” said Supervisor Matt Kingsley of Inyo County.

          “I look forward to working with Paul in his new capacity as a San Bernardino County supervisor and as a neighbor and friend.” “I am honored to be recognized by the Rural County Representatives of California for my work in Congress over the last ten years,” said former Congressman Paul Cook. “I especially appreciate the recognition of legislation I crafted to ensure that small, low population counties receive direct and flexible federal aid. Oftentimes, the plight of these counties and their residents goes unnoticed.”

          Assembly Member Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) was the second recipient of the 2012 Rural Leadership Award. Assembly Member Friedman was recognized for her work as chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee in the area of wildfire prevention and mitigation.

          “It’s a great honor to be recognized by RCRC,” said Assembly Member Friedman. “While my Assembly District is within an urban and suburban area of Los Angeles County, the majority of my constituents live in a very high fire hazard severity zone. I’ve long recognized the crossover of needs we have with rural areas of California, and the importance of collaboration, especially when it comes to wildfire prevention.”

          Supervisor Corless of Mono County stated “All of us who live, work and play in rural California should extend their appreciation for the work Assembly Member Friedman has done to address the issue of wildfires. For the upcoming legislative year, we know that Ms. Friedman will continue to work with RCRC to find workable solutions to the wildfire problem that exists throughout our state.”

 

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