Thomas Elected Board Chair In Calaveras County

San Andreas, CA — There was a changing of the guard in Calaveras County government today as Russ Thomas was elected Chair of the Board of Supervisors.

“We´ve got some difficult times ahead as far as the economic environment,” says Thomas. “I personally think that we have a lot of opportunities, and I want to focus on those. Calaveras County has fallen behind both Tuolumne and Amador in the job creation realm.”

“We have a very significant economic development effort going here and we need to work to accomplish what we´ve put in motion,” he adds.

Thomas was elected Chair by a 4-1 vote, and Supervisor Tom Tryon was the lone vote against. Thomas served as Vice Chair in 2008, and that person traditionally has moved into the Chair position the following year.

There was contention among different board members over the past year following the release of a Grand Jury Report, and Thomas says that he is hopeful that bridges can be rebuilt and the Board can work towards the betterment of the County.

Also today, Merita Callaway was elected Vice Chair.

Written by BJ Hansen