Russell And Pland To Head Joint Powers Authority

Sonora, CA — The Joint Powers Authority for economic development in Tuolumne County has taken another step forward with the naming of Sonora City Council member Hank Russell as Chair and Supervisor Dick Pland as Vice Chair.

Also on the Governing Board are City Councilman Bill Canning and District Three Supervisor Teri Murrison.

Three “at large” members will be selected in the very near future. Russell and Pland both agree that the “at large” Board members will have an equal vote with the four already named to the Board. The criteria includes a true understanding in rural county economic development. Both Russell and Pland are hopeful of landing individuals with an extensive background both personally and professionally in the Mother Lode.

Applications for those positions will be available by the end of the week at either the City of Sonora Office on N. Washington or the County Administration Center on S. Green St.

Following the selection of the three “at large” Board members an economic development director at a salary of approximately $90,000 a year will then be hired to handle the J.P.A. day-to-day operations. Russell and Pland readily admitted the J.P.A. needs someone (hopefully by February) who can hit the ground running with a vision and significant contacts. Pland stated, “This is not an on-the-job training position. We need an experienced individual.”

Russell added that J.P.A. funding will come from both the city (Redevelopment Agency) and the county for the first or second year. He is then hopeful that grant monies will be used to finance the operation that will be housed in downtown Sonora.

Written by Bill Johnson