Wolk: Supporting Sheila

I am supporting Sheila Allen for election to the Board of Supervisors. Sheila is the best choice to work on the broad array of problems that the Yolo Board of Supervisors will have to deal with over the next four years.

She is the only candidate that has wide experience forming coalitions to bring services to areas that have little or none. A new library in South Davis? A shelter like Yolo Crisis Nursery? More services to treat the mentally ill and addicted whose numbers grow daily? Or seniors who need caregivers, respite and support? And the children who have been left behind? Sheila has fought for and already provided leadership in so many areas. 

We know that social services is the major business of the county board. That’s true but what that really means is hard work with 4 other Supervisors who are equally challenged by their cities and constituents to get more from the State budget and use what we have wisely. She has a headstart in endorsements of future colleagues on the Board, in the Yolo Cities, schools, and non-profits who provide so much of those services.

But what about unique issues to District 4, like water? Flood protection? Agriculture? Habitat? She doesn’t need to come up to speed about the Yolo Basin, Putah Creek, groundwater protection or levees. She understands the mix of federal, state and local interests, private and public land ownership, all interests that rely on agreement to move forward. She knows that a partnership between agriculture and the environment and government is the only successful way forward. 

I am grateful to Sheila for her willingness to run. She knows the job, she knows the challenges, and she is enthusiastic at the opportunity to take it on! We would be foolish to turn her down.

-Lois Wolk

Former state senator, assemblywoman, county supervisor and Davis mayor