By Jim Reece -

The Amador Measure M Campaign Committee selected Paul Molinelli Jr. as its chairman last week, and tabbed Amador County Planning Commissioner John Gonsalves at its co-chairman. Molinelli is a recent past president of the Amador Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Amador County Solid Waste Local Task Force. Members of the committee made the officer and core campaign committee selections at the group’s meeting Sept. 11 at the American Legion Hall in Martell. Joining Molinelli and Gonsalves, Bob Long was selected as committee treasurer and Holly Boitano was named as secretary. Core Campaign Committee members that were selected were Andrea Jones of Lockwood, Hal Gambel of Sutter Creek, Debbie Dunn of Upcountry and Lynette Lipp of Pine Grove. The Campaign Committee will also be looking to get someone from Ione and Jackson Valley area.

The committee last week reported that up next, it is now looking for campaign donations, putting together a mailer; gathering a coalition of organizations and individuals; formulating a campaign plan; and working on a regional representative, key messages and a calendar. Firefighters will be walking the streets to campaign and the committee said its big task will be getting the city of Ione to sign on. The biggest loss for the previous paid firefighter referendum item, Measure L, was in the city of Ione. 54 percent voted yes, 46 percent voted no. Ione plans to get paid fire personnel with or without Measure M.