Letter: Terri Colton: deep roots, business background

I made the choice to run for District 5 supervisor because I care about this community. I am a proud graduate of Del Norte High School and have been volunteering for this community for decades.

My family and my community are extremely important to me. I’m proud of my two daughters, who live locally. Courtney is an escrow officer, soon to be married to Rick Candela a correctional officer. Caitlyn is an OB nurse and married to Richard Griffin, the Crescent City Police Chief. My father Ace Hartwick passed away in 1996, but my wonderful mother Jan Hartwick also lives locally.

Business Recruitment and Retention is key to creating a viable community. As a previous business owner, I understand how hard it is to thrive in a small community. Local support is just as important as leadership from our elected officials.

The experience that I bring to the table includes owning the Pacific Motor Hotel & Bottle Shop, managing restaurants and working in small business. Most recently, I served as the deputy director of the Yurok Tribe’s Economic Development Corporation. In this capacity, I managed many businesses and employees successfully.

My strengths are in business development, finance, and tourism. My focus will include supporting our current businesses, and partnering with other entities to recruit new business, resulting in new jobs.

We have a housing crisis on our hands and I will work diligently to find new solutions for more affordable housing.

I will bring the same work ethic to the Board of Supervisors and will strive to create more opportunities for our families to thrive.

Terri Colton

Candidate, District 5