Name: Greg Baldwin

Age: 58

Occupation: Traffic signs worker III

A number of community leaders and developers insist that Plymouth must secure a safe, reliable water source for its future. In working toward this goal, what level of cost is too high for Plymouth residents to absorb in their water rates?

I believe water rates are too high now; we are looking for ways to restructure rates so that people living on fixed incomes will get a basic amount of water with the basic water service charge, thus lowering their monthly fees. Developers will pay their fair share to buy into our system, thus spreading the cost on to more ratepayers. As state and federal regulations for cleaner water and sewer discharge cost us the ratepayers more money, we will have more people to spread the cost out with!

Is the Arroyo Ditch worth restoring as a viable source of water for Plymouth?

Yes, bottled water may cost as much or more than gas for your car! Water is the new gold for California! The city is in present negotiations with private developers to bring water from the Arroyo Ditch to Plymouth and beyond.

Do you recognize the Ione Band of Miwok Indians under the leadership of Chairman Matthew Franklin as a sovereign government?

Yes, but there are questions regarding those decisions made by the Deptartment of the Interior. If and when their land is taken into trust, there will be a challenge in federal court by Amador County and the state of California to determine the restoration status of the Ione tribe.

Plymouth's Main Street currently has one merchant, three eating establishments, a bar and dozens of empty shop windows. Residents also complain of Main Street's "dilapidated" look, saying it lacks the style and charm of the county's other downtown districts. What's the best longterm strategy to revitalize Main Street Plymouth?

The best longterm strategy for Main Street is finishing our redevelopment plan, which should be completely done by August 2009. That will mean any new building or major rehabilitation in town will provide the city with new revenue. The difference in tax amounts from the old to new tax rates will go to the city to help revitalize our town! We also have several old and new businesses helping to change our city in a positive direction. I believe code enforcement and clean-up of the town will greatly help.

Under what, if any, circumstances should the Plymouth City Council negotiate a partnership with the Ione Band of Miwok Indians through a Municipal Services Agreement?

If the tribe's land goes into trust and when we see what Amador County and the state of California are going to do in federal court. If the casino gets approved, we will negotiate with the tribe to work with them in finding ways to best protect the city!