Calaveras Builders Association Weigh In On Next 4 Years

An Op-Ed by the Calaveras Builders Association

It may be a long time before we see nice new
 homes again being built in Calaveras County.

 There are three Supervisors positions up for election in the near future and it will be very important to us in the construction trades and all the related businesses that benefit from construction activity.

     The Calaveras Builders Association cannot endorse any candidates, per our bylaws, but we can encourage our members to ask themselves what they want to see for the next four plus years.

      And, if that is a turnaround and comeback of the building industry, we need to find which candidates know how vital construction is to a local economy and what they propose to do to protect and encourage construction.

     All the candidates talk about jobs and the economy but few offer any real situations and policies that could lead to well-paying jobs.

     Some candidates may not even be aware of how important construction is to the County as a whole.  Issuance of a permit means revenue for the County in fees and increased assessed valuations, contractors and subs are working, materials are being bought, banks are making loans, appraisors and realtors are working, etc, etc.

     The Board of Directors of the Builders Association believe there must be  an ongoing discussion between the County leaders and the public about the construction industry and some of the obstacles builders and owners face when they just simply want to get a permit.

     We believe a start is to review the permit process and how various departments and agencies are involved. Are there any policies and procedures that are onerous, costly and time consuming that can be tweaked or eliminated?

     Are there correct interpretations of existing codes and laws?  Can the process be streamlined? Can the County and the construction industry once again be partners in our future?

     These are the questions we should be asking candidates and the answers can then allow us to make an informed choice when voting.