Amador County – Business people from various facets of Amador County gave input on goals and policies for the economic element of the county General Plan update last week, wrapping up two days of work. Amador Supervisor Chairman Ted Novelli of District 3 and Supervisors John Plasse of District 1 and Brian Oneto of District 5 watched the panel of a dozen people sound off on the issues Wednesday. Al Lennox of American Legion Ambulance suggested that a retail component be added to the policies for tourism, along with a mention of B&Bs and restaurants. The suggestion was changed to lodging. One man suggested that “federal timber issues are very important to this county.” He also said the policy should encourage and promote Gold Country history. He called the term “encourage” a “kind of weasel-ly” term and he suggested adding a more active word. County Planner Susan Grijalva said the group was bordering on “implementation” with some work and “you don’t want to tie the county’s hands by being too specific in what you are going to do.” She said specificity is handled at the zoning level and can be changed by the county. If they get too detailed and perhaps not mention a type of business, it could be a business that could be taken for exception in the future. Jim Conklin of the Amador County Business Council suggested emphasizing the development of high tech communications. He said he would like to have it as the major focus of economic element. Story by Jim Reece