League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Doug Teeter Answers Questions Candidate for County Supervisor; County of Butte; Supervisorial District 5

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Butte County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. There is increasing demand for north state groundwater. What do you think we should do to protect the quantity and quality of water we need in our region?

Many of my supporters are concerned that pumping more and more groundwater will compromise our underground aquifers. Quite a few with wells have stated that their water level has dropped as more wells are drilled. Some are very concerned that other counties allow those with surface rights to sell their surface water and then pump ground water.

I support Butte County's permit requirements for both groundwater extraction for use outside the county and ground water substitute pumping. I believe the permit process is necessary to provide the public a chance to comment. As your Supervisor I would advocate that the surrounding Counties adopt such permit requirements.

In addition, I support the completion of the Tuscan Aquifer monitoring project. Having sound scientific knowledge of the recharge rate of the aquifers would enable us to determine the extraction rate that will not affect our citizen's wells.

2. What would you propose to address the decline in funding for public education at the state level?

The Board of Supervisors in Butte County does not oversee the funding of public education at the state or local level. Public education budgets are overseen by the California State Assembly and Senate. Instead I would like to say a few words on public safety which is my top priority.

As a past forest firefighter, I know that fire suppression requires manned stations for a rapid response. I will build a coalition with a majority of the Supervisors and work with staff to prevent fire station brown-outs and protect vital services.

3. Despite evidence of varying academic success, charter schools are popular and increasing in numbers. What is your position on charter schools and how do you think we can assure balanced funding between charters and regular schools?

For the same reason as above, I would rather mention why I support a fiscally conservative budget.

As a small business owner and licensed provider of financial management services, I understand the need for balanced budgets and workplace efficiency. Although the Butte County budget is balanced for the 2012-2013 year, our County is forecasting deficits for the next four years, ranging from approximately $1.2 to $1.5 million dollars. My supporters know I will work hard to make the decisions necessary to eliminate deficit budgets while being a good steward of your tax dollars.

4. What would you do in this tight budget period to maintain or improve county infrastructure, such as airports, public transportation, and roads.

Butte County's 2012-13 budget is almost $450 million. Less than $90 million is under the discretion of the Board of Supervisors. About 1% of public works' $47 million dollar budget comes from funds controlled by our supervisors. State and Federal funding sources are what maintains and improves our County infrastructure. My solution there would be to urge our citizens to elect new representation, in those offices, to solve the perpetual California and Federal budget gridlock.

However, almost two-thirds of county discretionary funds, ~$58.5 million, pay for our Sheriff, Fire, Probation and District Attorney services. As your Supervisor, to increase public safety in these tight budgetary times I would do the following:

1. Support the lease of Butte County's unused Table A water from Oroville Dam. This is expected to produce $1.2 million in annual revenue. The lease would not be permanent and would end or diminish as Butte County's water needs increase;

2. Evaluate use of discretionary funds supporting non-county entities. For example Butte County Economic Development Corporation has been funded by the County. I believe it is time that private industry fund these efforts; and

3. Continual push county departments to become more efficient. I believe improvements can always be made.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 25, 2012 08:13
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