Supporters and skeptics of the proposed Amador Economic Stimulus Package entered into a verbal sparring match during a heated debate at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The stimulus package, which was originally  approved with a 30 permit application limit for building contracts, was added to the this week’s agenda after all the available permits were used in less than two weeks time. While Board members have all publicly stated their approval of the package in premise, some agreed with skeptical audience members who questioned whether the package’s vague guidelines really stimulate local and immediate economic development. During public comment, Debbie Dunn, an upcountry resident, stated that although she wants the best for local contractors and a rejuvenation of the housing market, she also had concerns over its impact on the county’s pocketbook. “There are 35,000 people who have to support this decision, and a vast minority wants this decision to go through. We don’t have any forecast as to when this (economic) slump will end. What we do have is 362,000 dollars given away by the county with no method of recovery except on the backs of the taxpayers,” said Dunn. Dunn also made it clear that she did not intend to enter into a polarizing debate. Moments later, a back-and-forth ensued between herself and some of the Supervisors, most notably Richard Forster. “Someone has to be a leader here, or we can sit back and let people watch TV all day because they don’t have a job,” said Forster. Forster went on to accuse Dunn of “trying to make it sound like you’re representing the whole county.” . 

Earlier in the debate, Pine Grove Contractor Jim Josse opened public comment with a simple statement: “I am number 31.” Josse’s name was referenced repeatedly by Forster and other audience members who strongly support expanding the package now to include more permits and feel that delays in doing so could hurt theSupervisor Boitano was convinced enough to make a motion for a 30 day postponement while he and other Supervisors further investigate the package’s impacts, despite Forster’s call for decisive action now. A compromising motion was reached for a delay of two weeks. The motion was approved 4 to 1 with Supervisor Forster opposing. approved with a 30 permit application limit for building contracts, was added to the this week’s agenda after all the available permits were used in less than two weeks time. While Board members have all publicly stated their approval of the package in premise, some agreed with skeptical audience members who questioned whether the package’s vague guidelines really stimulate local and immediate economic development. intended purpose. Amador building Inspector Larry Perez, who is also opposed to the package, emphasized the importance of including a clause that would require builders to begin construction immediately instead of qualifying for permits now and then sitting on them for years.Supervisor Boitano was convinced enough to make a motion for a 30 day postponement while he and other Supervisors further investigate the package’s impacts, despite Forster’s call for decisive action now. A compromising motion was reached for a delay of two weeks. The motion was approved 4 to 1 with Supervisor Forster opposing.