11 candidates fill the field in
Campo-Lake Morena election

By Christy Scott
The Alpine Sun

     CAMPO — In the quickly growing Back Country 11 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring, vying for five seats on the Campo-Lake Morena Planning Group board.
     With a growing population, and various development projects slated, planned and proposed for the rural area, the local planning group has many hot topics on its plate in coming years. However, this also makes for some contentious Back Country politics.
     There are the supposed “pro-development candidates,” who generally support development of the Back Country, to increase business and work opportunities for residents.
     Then there are “slow-growth candidates,” who understand that development is inevitable, but want it to stay in character and scale for the rural area.
     Profiled here are four of the candidates vying for seats on the local planning board. See coming issues for profiles of the remaining CLMPG candidates.

Joseph Carmody
     I am running for reelection to the Campo-Lake Morena Planning Group. This election is about finding the most competent persons to represent the community of Campo and Lake Morena to the County about land use issues; it should not a personality or beauty contest.
     During the past four years I have insisted that each proposed development be carefully scrutinized to insure that it fits our community. I have studied and trained myself on CEQA, EIS/EIRs, attended Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings; I have learned what it means to be a Planning Group member.
     I have met with and worked with numerous County staff who deal with our land use issues and understand how the system works. Community Character, concerns about our being ground water dependant and making sure that any future development is positive for the community have been the heart of my efforts.
     I believe in growth at a rural pace. We have seen some growth and will see some more.
     Let’s keep that growth something we can be proud of and embrace. Your vote for me ensures that each project continues to be judged on how it benefits you and our community.


Shirley Perkiss-Driscoll
     I have been on the planning group since its inception and, before that, I was a member of the sponsor group. My approach to local land use has been to support moderate rural growth, rather than large development forced growth and I have consistently voted accordingly.
     I have been a resident and rancher in Campo for 25 years, and as a rancher, water and water management has long been among my biggest concerns. I and other planning group members joined concerned community members in calling for the planning group to become more active in groundwater issues. My well and those of others have dropped significantly since Campo Hills was built.
     In our earlier years as local residents, my husband and I used to go every community event, from dances to fund-raising breakfasts. Since the terrible polarization that forced development has brought to our community, there are many places we no longer feel welcome. As an incumbent member of the planning group, I can remember a time when people could respect differing opinions about how our local lands should be developed.
     I want to work toward that again, while continuing my platform of moderate rural growth, and agree to disagree without hard feelings.

Jane Hamilton
     After living in the Back Country off and on for most of my life, I knew that this was the place I wanted to live when I retired from my job with GUHSD.
     I was first introduced to the Back Country when I was seven, and the area was very rural, with only a few scattered businesses. By the time I graduated from Mountain Empire High, it had changed little. Though more populated today, it is still much the same. My sons and their children love to visit and enjoy our open space and wildlife.
     As a member of Mountain Empire Homemakers (past president), VFW Post 2080 (current president) Ladies’ Auxiliary, and former docent at the Stone Store Museum, I find that many people share my family’s appreciation of our area.
     To live here is to embrace what Campo has to offer, not to change it to something else for profit. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t build our homes and businesses here, as I was able to do. But we must be aware of the risks and consequences of forced large growth.
     My goal as a planning group member is to help our community manage its growth responsibly.


Tammy Inman
     I was born and raised in Campo and moved back four years ago after attending college at SDSU, and two years of living abroad. I realized I loved the small town I grew up in and wanted to raise my own children here to give them the experiences I had.
     The amenities available to children in Campo are unique and need to be cherished. As a teacher in our school district I understand growth is important, but it needs to be done responsibly and gradually.
     I am a “growth at a rural” pace candidate. It is very important to look at our natural resources and community character statements for each project being proposed and I will do my best to do this and represent my community if I am elected.

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