Why I'm running for Bay Commissioner

By Carlos Quilez

To be a voice for our Bay and Shelter Cove. To be a voice for all our 2nd Division residents. To promote responsible governance and fiscal responsibility.

I am running: to be a stronger voice for conservation and recreation values; to work for sustainable, feasible and responsible harbor development; to promote transparency in government; and to work collaboratively and improve relationships with resource agencies, funding agencies, and our community-based organizations.

I am running because I believe it is time for new ideas and real 2nd Division perspectives on the Commission. A dialogue needs to begin that includes a new energetic voice with a fresh perspective on how we view and use the bay.

My vision is for a cleaner, healthy, productive, accessible and prosperous Humboldt Bay. I envision a cleaner bay with water trails and improved boat and kayak launch areas. I envision greater accessibility to the bay. I want to see improved facilities for all our residents. I want to implement the plans for the improvement of Shelter Cove in consultation with the residents of that area so their best interests are met. I want to pursue commercial opportunities geared to the existing physical limitations of the bay while maximizing potential uses.

The five year strategic plan addresses the District's priorities at "the highest levels of abstraction." The highest level of abstraction is that level which provides the least concrete guidance and which is least attainable.

I want a strategic plan that sets attainable goals, includes cost/benefit analysis to our community for various projects, and includes timelines and benchmarks that will gauge our progress. And, I want that strategic plan implemented.

I'm a retired administrator from a State University where I also taught Statistics and Research Methods. I also worked in various 'think tanks' including American Institutes for Research, and the RAND Corporation. I bring excellent modern management skills and methods. I know strategic planning and implementation. I can look to emergent economic opportunities and assess them in a common sense and practical way. I can look to environmentally sensitive ways to rebuild needed infrastructure.

As a planner in a multi-million dollar organization I bring exceptional fiscal skills to this job. I bring practical planning, attainable goals and common sense solutions. I believe in good stewardship of our resources combined with fiscal responsibility.

I believe that economic development and the creation of living wage jobs will always be important to Humboldt County. There are many opportunities around Humboldt Bay to improve our economy and protect our natural resources. This District needs and deserves active and energetic Commissioners that are willing to do the work necessary to fulfill this potential. I'm prepared to work hard to enhance all aspects of our wonderful Bay.

I believe that port activities are essential to our economy. However, there are significant challenges to potential growth of bay related industries. I will honestly analyze and discuss the challenges to industrial development and work hard to support enterprises that recognize the connection between our business and environmental interests to create sustainable local jobs for our future

We cannot protect and improve our mariculture, fishing fleet and sport fleet without conservation and restoration. Conservation and restoration is also central to our large and growing tourism industry. I will give conservation the priority that it deserves. The cleanup of our bay and rebuilding of vital infrastructure is necessary for commerce. I will put more energy into environmentally sound infrastructure improvements and make sure that we aggressively seek all funding resources available to produce quality jobs in restoration and infrastructure rebuild.

What I bring to the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation Commission are my skills and talent, my pledge to work hard for the benefit of all our residents and my commitment to provide strong leadership for a healthy and prosperous Bay.