Sonora, CA — Whether it be monitoring emergency scanners, or attending meetings, Mark Brooks has been keeping an eye on community happenings over the past several years.
Brooks, grew up in Tuolumne County, moved away in high school, but wanted to return to the county to raise kids and grow older. He moved back around 2010. As a Veteran who had been injured overseas, Brooks worked a variety of jobs locally and says he “basically retired in 2019” due to the injuries.
Over the past few years, he has been attending various county meetings, many times weighing in during public comments. He has also spent years listening to emergency scanners, gaining insight into what is happening in the community.
Brooks says, “My journey going to all the board meetings and committee meetings, for the past couple years, has led me to find out that some departments are 6 years behind in audits, which has locked up funds for roads.”
Further detailing his observations, he says, “Grant money is vital for our community, but used wrong, it can lead to a $1.8 million deficit, which we are currently at. I’m not a big government guy. They are increasing cost of living for everyone and making it extremely difficult for small businesses.”
Regarding issues around community development, he says, “It shouldn’t be complicated or expensive for permits. We spend millions every year for outside help when we should have employees to do the job. My plan is to reduce staffing and increase pay in areas that need it.”
Brooks likes that the position is non-partisan, and says that people are moving away from party politics.
There are six candidates running for the District Two Supervisor position. Some of the candidates announced an intention to run ahead of the filing deadline, and they were covered by myMotherLode.com. This, and other stories over the coming days, are featuring many of the additional candidates.
Running in District Two are incumbent Ryan Campbell and challengers Tamayo, Steve Green, Mark Brooks, Juli Healy, and Diego Martinez.
A District Two Candidate Forum will air on Thursday, April 9, at 6 pm on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
