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Hopeful says he brings experience

By Barry Eberling - April 30, 2008 - The Daily Republic

Four candidates for the 5th District Solano County Supervisor seat politely clashed at a Tuesday forum over such issues as growth.

The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event at D. H. White Elementary School. About 40 people attended and asked the questions.

Incumbent Mike Reagan faces challengers Skip Thomson, James Williams and Judith Everett in the June 3 election. The district includes Dixon, Rio Vista and part of Vacaville and Suisun City.

An audience member asked Thomson about a proposed Rio Vista development she thought could dump more traffic on two-lane, narrow, rural Highway 12.

"I think it's even worse than that," Thomson said. Solano County's proposed General Plan revisions call for a deep water port and industrial development near Collinsville, Thomson said. That would dump more traffic, including truck traffic on the highway, he said.

Collinsville is presently a scattering of homes in a remote area near the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers.

That industrial zoning dates back to the 1960s, Reagan responded. That designation doesn't change in the proposed, revised General Plan because property owners don't want it changed, he said.

Another audience member said that the large property owners such as the Sacramento Municipal Utility District have a different view on that than many of the rural residents near Collinsville.

As far as Highway 12, Reagan said the solution is making it a four-lane highway. But some people think improving the roads causes growth, he added.

Thomson mentioned past comments Reagan has made about Solano County perhaps someday needing another city.

That would be true, Reagan said, if existing cities refuse to grow and people don't want to live in stacked flats. But the need won't be there through the 20-year life of the proposed, revised county General Plan, he said.

An audience member asked the candidates whether citizens have gained or lost because of the county orderly growth law. The law bans most development in rural areas -- with exceptions such as Collinsville -- with the idea that development should take place in the cities.

Everett saw some good coming from the law, but noted that the freeway is still jammed with traffic.

"I wonder about the quality of life with all that supposed 'orderly growth,'" she said.

Williams said the law has preserved the farming community. But he sees flaws, such as a wood chipping plant not being allowed near the Hay Road Landfill because it wasn't an agricultural-related industry.

Thomson championed the law, saying it has allowed the county to have distinct communities. He disputed claims it has stopped agricultural processing plants from locating or expanding here.

Reagan said the law has been an overall positive for the county, but that ut has hurt farming by hindering agricvultural processing plants from locating here.

Democratic 8th District State Assembly candidates Chris Cabaldon and Mariko Yamada also participated.

Hopeful says he brings experience

By Danny Bernardini - April 28, 2008 - The Reporter

Some candidates promise a new day if elected, while others tout their past accomplishments as a reason to be elected.

Skip Thomson, candidate for the District 5 Solano County Supervisor's seat and former supervisor, said he brings it all.

"I am a little of both. I bring change and experience," Thomson said. "When I'm on there, the change will be great. I truly thought my 34 years (of public service) were done, but after watching a few meetings, it was time."

Since the time he announced his candidacy earlier this year, Thomson hasn't hesitated to point out that incumbent Mike Reagan and he differ on many subjects and has criticized many actions by the board.

Thomson points to the April 22 supervisors meeting where he spoke in favor of banning wind turbines to protect Travis Air Force Base and was accused by Supervisor Jim Spering of grandstanding for his campaign.

"(That) is a prime example. They act as though they have the answers and if you bring something up they don't agree with you on, they belittle you," Thomson said. "They've been missing in action on many issues."

Serving on the board from 1992 to 2002, before serving as the county's assessor/recorder, Thomson said he has what it takes to lead the county through some tough economic times ahead. He said with large cuts likely ahead, he hopes to involve a lot of perspectives in the process.

"It reminds me a lot of 1993 through '95, when we were faced with similar cuts and layoffs," Thomson said. "We figured it out, but we did it working in concert with employees. I knew we didn't have all the answers."

He said instead of damaging all programs by forcing them to cut back, he believes it's important to fully fund those that are priorities. He also acknowledged that is the tough part.

"One thing I've learned is budgeting is nothing more than setting your priorities for the next year," he said. "We try and save every program, but you can't do that."

One of the few things that Thomson agrees with Reagan on is the direction of the General Plan Update. He said although it isn't perfect, he feels that much of the agriculture element seems helpful for farmers. Thomson said he is a bit worried about the residential zoning near the edge of Vacaville. He said that having too many houses near rural lands may put a strain on emergency response.

"They ought to be very concerned, because it will impact them. It could get a little crowded," he said.

Name: Skip Thomson
Age: 58
Residence: Vacaville
Occupation: Appraiser/NorthBay Hospital Board Member
Experience: Solano County Supervisor from 1992-2002, Solano County Assessor/Recorder from 2002-05.
Education: Bachelor's degree from UC Davis in International Relations.
Major endorsements: Napa Solano Building Trades Council, Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, Sen. Mike Machado, Service Employees International Union

Democratic group endorses three hopefuls in supes race

April 26, 2008 - The Reporter

The Solano County Democratic Central Committee voted to endorse three candidates for the Solano County Board of Supervisors at a recent meeting.

In the First District, the Committee endorsed Supervisor Barbara Kondylis who has held that office for 15 years.

"Supervisor Kondylis has earned a reputation as a strong champion for the health and safety needs of children, for protection of open space and parks, and for listening to the residents of District 1. She has proven her effective and capable leadership skills," said Chairman Dan Healy in announcing the decision. First District is composed of much of the city of Vallejo.

For Second District, the Committee endorsed Linda Seifert, who currently serves as president of the Green Valley Landowners Association and as Vice President of the Solano County Library Foundation. "Linda would bring new energy and a fresh perspective to the Board of Supervisors. She has been an effective advocate for the needs of others and will work tirelessly for her district," Healy said.

The Second District includes parts of Vallejo, Benicia and the Cordelia-Green Valley area.

For Fifth District, the Committee endorsed Skip Thomson, former County Supervisor and County Assessor/Recorder. Healy said, "Skip has the proven financial skills to help the county through the difficult economic times we face ahead."

Fifth District covers the areas of Dixon, Rio Vista and parts of northern Vacaville.

Thomson's experience as a former member of the Board of Supervisors and as Assessor/Recorder will be an asset, the Committee said.

The Solano County Democratic Central Committee meets the fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the County Government Center, 675 Texas Street in Fairfield.

For more information, call Healy at 373-5500.

Maybe this candidate cares

April 26, 2008 - The Reporter

I met Solano County supervisorial candidate Skip Thomson the other day at a neighborhood get-together. I don't take to politicians. In general, they have it better than most of us.

They like to say how committed they are to their constituents and community right around election time, when they have to humble themselves to us lowly voters. They like to point out improvements they have initiated and how disappointed they are about budget shortfalls and various constraints. They point to special interest as the villains, and bureaucracy as the mountain they have to push.

Still, it seems that a lot of the concerns and problems don't get resolved. Always on topic are issues like "wasteful spending," "red tape," "protect farmland," "create jobs," "future growth" and "traffic bottlenecks." These were the same issues they talked about when I got here more than 30 years ago. I guess, as citizens, we just have to endure and hope, and maybe get involved.

Skip Thomson gave me his cell phone number. He didn't have to. I have no reason to call him right now. He's busy, and I would most likely vent my frustration at him. Yet he gave me his number.

That simple gesture says something to me, and a lot about Skip Thomson. He's gutsy. I didn't jump on his bandwagon - he knows it. He might listen and work to make things better - I'm not sure, but he might.

I got a handshake, a cell phone number and a vested interest in him, his commitment and word. Right now, that means a lot to me.

Arthur Cofresi, Vacaville

Following money leads to election decision

April 19, 2008 - The Reporter

A well-written letter ("Follow the Money," The Reporter March 30") contained a neat idea. I am supporting and voting for Skip Thomson in his bid to unseat Supervisor Mike Reagan of the 5th District. I thought I'd copy the letter writer and check out how much money and from whom Supervisor Reagan has raised to support his war chest. Information was supplied by Solano County Registrar of Voters.

The one thing you can grant Mr. Reagan, the dude generates some serious bucks. From Jan. 1 through June 30, 2007, he raised $15,481; from July 1 to Dec. 31, $45,499; and from Jan. 1 through March 17, $46,105. That's a total of $107,085.

In no way do I suggest there is any thing wrong with donations.

What I do find strange is where the big bucks come from. The heavy hitters are all related to the land in some manner: real estate, builders and developers.

The deal that really chokes me is caused by folks living outside Solano County showing such generosity. There are those who find Solano a wonderful place to toss money at. When as a youngster, standing at my sainted grandmother's knee, I was taught, "if you're gonna dance, you gotta pay the fiddler." It's 3 a.m., but before all that's holy, it seems I can faintly hear dance music drifting softly through the night coming from Fairfield.

Why do I support Skip Thomson over Mike Reagan? Skip Thomson carries about his person an attitude of common sense. He will listen and then state his reasons for his position. I like his independence and the "old-fashioned" common-sense approach he uses to solve problems.

Supervisor Reagan strikes me as being an opportunist, an elitist, one who uses his position to receive favors not offered to the average citizen. He unfurled his true colors over his brushup with the law when pulled over for driving under the influence. The district attorney rushed to his rescue. The charge was covered under a law called "wet and reckless," a free ride in comparison to a DUI faced by the average person. When the supervisor stated he "was ready to take his medicine," it amounted to a $1,000 fine.

The cost of a DUI, when all the dust settles, seems to range some where around $8,000 to $10,000. It seems to me that this went down as "protect the good-old-boy club." The district attorney should be kept on one's mind when he runs for re-election. And I find there is a lot of confusion in my mind when some of the high-ranking folks who grace our police system support Supervisor Reagan. It seems weekly they mount a checkpoint and proclaim a zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

I'm 85 years old, and I had never heard of this law, or its use by any person in the world. Believe me, I've know many imbibers. For years, I have kept lots of bartenders on the alert. I look forward to Richard Rico's Sunday articles, where one learns of the better wines available. So, in short, I find no fault with the supervisor tossing back a couple anytime he wishes, but I do take a dim view of special treatment he received and the district attorney for the action he took with regard to the situation.

So there it is. My support and vote goes with Skip Thomson. No big deal for him, but it is to me.

Bob Millam, Vacaville

Three races shape up for supervisor

By Danny Bernardini/Staff Writer - March 9, 2008 - The Reporter

Candidacies for three seats on the Solano County Board of Supervisiors are official with the passage Friday of the filing deadline. All three incumbents - Supervisors Barbara Kondylis, District 1; John Silva, District 2 and Mike Reagan, District 5 - filed for re-election.

Four Solano County Superior Court Judges also have filed for re-election. All are running unopposed.

The supervisor race for District 5 - which covers the areas of Dixon, Rio Vista and parts of northern Vacaville - draws four candidates. Joining Reagan in the race is former Solano County Supervisor Skip Thomson, business manager Judith Everett and taxpayer association President James Williams. All candidates are from Vacaville.

In the District 1 race, Kondylis will be opposed by Benjamin Lewis, a Web developer from Vallejo. Kondylis has served on the board for 15 years. District 1 is composed of much of the city of Vallejo.

Silva will have opposition for the District 2 race for the first time in 12 years. His opponent will be Green Valley resident Linda Seifert, who is a nonprofit board member and attorney. District 2 includes Vallejo, Benicia and western parts of the Fairfield area.

Pleased to see Thomson in race

January 29, 2008 - The Reporter

I've seen that Skip Thomson is running for the Solano County Board of Supervisors. He has my vote. Time after time during his previous tenure on the board, Skip proved that he was a true friend to the constituents he served. Let me give you just one example: Around 1999, I was working as a volunteer wrestling coach for CA Jacobs Middle School in Dixon. We were in desperate need of a wrestling mat so the team could host the league meet. This was a huge challenge because the mat was going to cost approximately $10,000.

One telephone call to Skip and the problem was all but solved. He quickly went out and raised the money and then had the mat delivered in time for the meet. This was huge for the wrestling program at the school, and the coaches and athletes were very grateful.

Skip has proven over and over that he is a great person, neighbor, friend and someone who is really concerned about the community.

Bill Hull, Dixon

Former Supervisor Skip Thomson Challenges Mike Reagan

January 24, 2008 - Suisun Citizens League

There is a new player in the race for the Solano County Board of Supervisors. Former county supervisor Skip Thomson announced on January 23 that he will be seeking the position for District 5. The seat is currently being held by Supervisor Mike Reagan. The district covers Rio Vista, Dixon, and parts of Vacaville and Suisun.

Dwight Acey, Suisun Citizens League Spokesperson, attended Thomson's announcement. He said, "Skip Thomson is a golden opportunity for change in Solano County. Many issues need to be addressed and Skip has the experience and skills to make the changes we so desperately need. The current Board of Supervisors has turned their backs on matters like new encroachments on Travis and the dangerous of massive sewer sludge dumping in Solano County. Skip can give a voice to the people."

Nearly a hundred people attended his noon time announcement outside of the county building in January. Among his supporters who braved the cold and strong winds was Phelp Veliz, a Travis veteran and organizer who has worked to keep the base open for many years. Veliz was one of the people who came forward to endorse Thomson. He pointed to Thomson’s credibility, integrity and his uncompromising support for Travis Air Force Base over the years.

Thomson said that he was dismayed by decisions that were being made by the Board of Supervisors. With his family standing by his side he said he felt compelled to run in a effort to fix problems confronting the county. He expressed his desire to protect the many jobs and veteran services at Travis. He also stressed the need to improve health care throughout the county, and to provide more support for children.

In November he appeared before the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) where he opposed the Suisun Wal-Mart project. He also spoke before the Suisun City Planning Commission opposing the project. He was denied the right to speak about the ALUC and Wal-Mart's encroachment by the Suisun Planning Commission.

Skip Thomson served on the Board of Supervisors from 1996 to 2003 and as the county assessor from 2003 until 2006 before retiring.

Thomson, Kondylis announce candidacy

By Danny Bernardini/Staff Writer - January 24, 2008 - The Reporter

Wednesday was an important day for a couple of candidates for seats on the Solano County Board of Supervisors. With California's June primary on the horizon, current supervisor Barbara Kondylis announced her intention to run for re-election to the District 1 seat, while former supervisor Skip Thomson held a press conference formally announcing his candidacy for the District 5 seat.

Thomson - who served as a supervisor from 1992 to 2002 before being elected as the county's assessor/recorder - was joined by a large group of family and friends in front of the Solano County Government Center to announce the news that had been rumored for months. He will run for a seat that represents Dixon, Rio Vista and parts of northern Vacaville.

Thomson said that after thinking about it for a few months, the desire to change the direction of the county prevailed. He will run against current supervisor Mike Reagan, who recently announced his candidacy.

"As the months unfold, there will be many differences between me and my opponents," Thomson said Wednesday. "Mike (Reagan) and I see the world very differently."

Thomson said issues such as the safety of Highway 12 and the county's General Plan Update are a couple that have his attention.

Kondylis, who has served on the board the last 15 years, represents much of Vallejo and said in a press release that her history on the board qualifies her for another term. She said while much of the county business revolves around law enforcement, the boards she has been on has made great strides in providing health care for youngsters and other health-related services.

"Solano County, because of our efforts, has twice won an award as being one of the best 100 communities in the United States for raising children," she said in a press release.

Thomson takes on Reagan

By Robin Miller/City Editor - January 22, 2008 - The Reporter

Another familiar face in Solano County politics will toss his hat in the ring to seek election to the Solano County Board of Supervisors. Skip Thomson, who held the 5th District seat on the board from 1992 to 2002, will formally announce his candidacy for the post Wednesday, according to a media advisory sent to local news outlets Monday.

Thomson will challenge incumbent Mike Reagan in Caifornia's primary in June. Reagan formally announced his intention to seek re-election last week.

Thomson held the post - which covers the areas of Dixon, Rio Vista and parts of northern Vacaville - for two-and-a-half terms before running successfully to become the county's assessor-recorder. He held that job until retiring in 2005.

Thomson will hold a press conference at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday outside the County Government Center in Fairfield where his family and supporters will gather to hear his formal announcement.

Speculation has swirled for weeks that Thomson might enter the race.

Other names that have been tossed around as prospective candidates include Dixon Mayor Mary Ann Courville and Dixon Vice Mayor Michael Smith.

Smith has said he would only run if he felt there were a possibility to win while Courville has said she hasn't made a decision and still is contemplating another run for the mayor's post.

Reagan said he will be running on his record of creating new jobs, environmental awareness and public safety and vowed four more years of job growth and prosperity.

Skip Thomson may fight tax fraud with air power

By Matthew Bunk - April 28, 2008 - Daily Republic

Sometimes, perhaps more often than that, homeowners fail to notify tax officials when they make improvements to their abodes, such as building a porch or putting a pool in the back yard. Unmindful of tax laws or intentionally ignorant, they don't report large and expensive home improvements to the county tax assessor. Either way, they save money on their property taxes.

For many years it was a fairly easy scam to pull off. Unless the tax assessor visited all 140,000 homes in the county and peeked over every fence, it was pretty difficult to prove anyone was sidestepping their tax obligation. But not anymore, not if County Assessor/Recorder Skip Thomson gets his way.

At Thomson's behest, the county is mulling ways to use airplanes to take aerial photographs of private property. The system, called Pictometry, can shoot photos at many different angles and is powerful enough to show details down to the number of trees in a backyard. Pictometry also would be used by emergency response teams in the event of a disaster. The cost, roughly $150,000, would be shared by law enforcement and the Assessor's Office.

Despite county assurances that it's a noble undertaking, the effort to look deeply into neighborhood nooks likely would have the dual result of bringing more property tax money into the government coffers and of raising public fears that Big Brother is invading private lives. "Nobody has a right to shirk their property taxes," Vacaville resident Clif Poole said. "But the consequences of a flyover, while it may sound nice, is the biggest crock I've ever heard of." Poole belongs to a group called Solano County Citizens Land Alliance, dedicated to working with government agencies to help them achieve their goals while making sure they observe residents' rights. He said people often don't bother applying for building permits, the way the county usually finds out about home improvements, because the county makes it a complicated, time-consuming process. "People sometimes don't even try to get permits because it's so convoluted," he said. "Paying the extra tax is only a small portion of it."

But collecting due taxes - not spying - is the reason the county is spending big bucks to hire a firm that specializes in aerial photography, Thomson said. Other jurisdictions from Los Angeles to Florida use similar systems with great success, he said. "My goal is to treat everyone fairly and to maximize the tax roll," he said. "People can argue that we didn't do it this way before, but I'm here to say 'Hey, there's a new sheriff in town.' "

Much-needed realignment When Thomson took charge of the offices of Assessor and Recorder two years ago, both departments were in disrepair, he said. Several of the largest companies in the county had challenged the amount of property tax they owed, the staff in the recorder's office wasn't keeping up with its workload and the leadership tree in the Assessor's office was top heavy and inefficient. When Thomson took over, he immediately hired a consultant to look at ways the county could improve its services.

Acting on the consultant's advice, he eliminated two deputy assessor positions and replaced them with an assistant assessor, former state General Services employee Marc Tonnesen. That switch alone saved the county $50,000. Then Thomson and Tonnesen made procedural changes that raised the county's tax receipts more than 10 percent in the first year. When Thomson realized one of his departments was three weeks behind in recording public documents, he gave them an ultimatum to step it up. And within months, they had sliced through a 38,000-document backlog and were processing records the same day they were submitted.

"Along the way there was some hand-wringing as a result of some of the decisions we've made. But I told the staff 'You just gotta' do it,' " he said. "It wasn't long before we were doing today's business today."

Thomson's critics say he's an overzealous, heavy-handed manager fixated on running things his way. That contrasts with the description by those who work most closely with him as an efficiency-minded public servant constantly trying to improve the way the county operates. At 55 and with decades of experience working for government, Thomson knows himself well enough to see how people might come to either conclusion. But when he pits duty against popularity, duty wins. "Not everybody agreed at first with some of the things we've done," he said. "But I think we've proven ourselves by the results."

Big fights ahead County administrative officials say they couldn't be happier about Thomson's work. He helped increase the county's tax intake and cut down on the number of complaints generated by his departments, former county assistant administrator Darby Hayes said. "Things have really changed over there," Hayes said during his final month with the county. "We used to get complaints about how long it would take to get documents processed, and that's not something we hear anymore."

Thomson said he tries first to cooperate with those who come to him with a complaint, but it's clear that he is just as comfortable bracing in the trenches waiting for battle. And he's going to have to call on those warrior instincts, because he's got some big fights ahead. His department is at the forefront of a $1.6 billion clash with several of the county's largest taxpayers.

A Daily Republic investigation last year showed that the county stands to lose millions of dollars if companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Valero Energy and Genentech Inc., can prove Thomson's staff misjudged the value of their property. If those companies and others successfully appeal the amount they've been charged in property taxes, the county could lose as much as $19.3 million.

So Thomson hired outside consultants to fight the appeals. Although it will cost several hundred thousand dollars, it's a hard-line approach that Thomson doesn't mind taking because he expects it to pay off in the end. Same goes for the aerial photographs. "Some of this will require additional resources," he said. "But the return will far exceed the cost."

Quick Facts about Pictometry and the county Assessor's Office:

• Solano County recently hired Pictometry Inc. to take high-definition aerial photographs of private property.
• Government agencies in Massachusetts, Los Angeles County, New York City, Baltimore and San Francisco, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, use the same system of aerial photography.
• The county's total property tax roll, the combined value of property it collects on, is about $32.7 billion.
• The county's taxable property has increased $3.5 billion, about 10 percent, in each of the two years since Skip Thomson became county assessor.
• Thomson resigned as county supervisor in 2003 to take over the Assessor/Recorder position. He was a supervisor for 10 years.