In May 2010, the Farm Bureau endorsed Mike Wasserman because of his fiscal conservatism, collaborative attitude, and background in small business. Supervisor Wasserman has exceeded our expectations and over the past two years he has stepped up to support local agriculture in big ways.
Since taking office in December 2010, Supervisor Wasserman has been an incredible asset to local small businesses and to the agricultural community. Wasserman serves on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors representing District 1. Wasserman’s actions recognize the importance of local agriculture as a $250 million industry and an important job creator in District 1 including South County, Coyote Valley, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
After hearing complaints about unrealistic water requirements for fire suppression, Supervisor Wasserman worked with Fire Chief Ken Kehmna to reduce the required water flows while still protecting health and safety. Under the new standard, a winery that previously would have needed 45,000 gallons of water storage for fire suppression can now install a more reasonable 5,000 gallon tank. At an estimated $1 per gallon for water storage, the cost savings to local businesses is significant.
Supervisor Wasserman was a leading force in reducing the size and scope of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan (HCP). The 50-year plan’s price tag was reduced from $938 million to $657 million and will acquire about 10,000 fewer acres of private lands than originally planned. Wasserman has also worked to make the fees more equitable, so those with the most significant impacts pay the largest fees.
During his first two years in office, Wasserman has clearly prioritized efforts to increase local agritourism. Supervisor Wasserman added agritourism to the board’s federal and state legislative priorities for the county, initiated the Wineries Working Group process which resulted in increased opportunities for local wineries to host events, and is working with community leaders to develop a Wine Trail in South County. To support local businesses, Supervisor Wasserman worked with fellow Supervisor Dave Cortese to host an Economic Summit to hear from small business owners, including representatives of the wine industry and the farm industry.
While holding true to his value for fiscal restraint, Wasserman has fought to maintain funding for programs that benefit farmers and ranchers and the whole South County community. Even after the state cut funding for the Williamson Act, Supervisor Wasserman led the Board’s efforts to continue funding for this important land conservation program, which incentivizes farmers and ranchers to keep their land in production agriculture. Wasserman has also worked to secure funding for the county’s two rural crime Santa Clara County Sheriff’s deputies to ensure our rural areas get the law enforcement support they need.
In his first two years as a county supervisor, Mike Wasserman has consistently been willing to listen, quick to build collaboration, and adept at getting the right folks in the room. Supervisor Wasserman is making things happen and we are excited to see what the next two years have in store for local agriculture, small businesses, and the South County community.
Pete Aiello is President of the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau, and Owner and General Manager of Uesugi Farms in Gilroy.
