Name: Jon E. Colburn

Age: 68

Occupation: Mayor of Plymouth (retired from construction)

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?

Great news for Plymouth! The pipeline project bid came in approximately $2.5 million less than the original estimate of $7.8 million. After four years of fighting the unfair water rate structure, I now have a chance to vote on a fair and equitable water rate that will include participation of the developers and should lower the current water rates for the people of Plymouth. A letter in the Ledger Dispatch stating that I voted on a water rate increase is false; I voted to allow the people to make that decision.

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

Yes, the Arroyo Ditch water rights are worth protecting. Anyone who knows the value of water in California will agree. The approximate value of these water rights is up to $10 million a year in the current market. Our water right is 23,000 acre feet, larger than the county's water rights on the Mokelumne. When combined with proper storage, the Arroyo Ditch could be viable source of water not only for Plymouth but also for the county.

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

The Bureau of Indian Affairs recognizes the Ione Band of Miwoks as a sovereign government. The county of Amador and the state of California are challenging that decision and the claim that they are restored. I believe we should allow the courts to sort this out.

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?

First let me clarify, Plymouth does not have "dozens of empty shop windows" on Main Street. I agree with the residents and their concerns about the dilapidated buildings on Main Street, but we should certainly recognize that Main Street Plymouth also has several businesses that we can be very proud of. I would like to see our Main Street further develop with businesses that provide services to our residents and appeal to our many out of town visitors. I believe our best strategy to revitalize Main Street and the surrounding commercial areas includes the continued support of our Economic Development Committee, the development of a revitalization plan that encourages businesses to come to Plymouth, as well as incentives for property owners to fix up their buildings. We should also research and apply for possible grant funding for these projects. It is also important that we enforce city codes and not allow properties to fall into such disrepair.

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?

The city's attorneys, the county's attorneys and the Department of the Interior have all told the Plymouth City Council that any negotiations at this time would facilitate the tribe's application. The people of Plymouth do not want a casino so the time to negotiate is not now. From the county's experience, it appears the best time to negotiate is after the land is in trust and a compact is approved by the state. In the Buena Vista case, the county, by waiting, got $175 million for a casino with 960 slots. The city's past agreement got only $80 million for a 2000-slot casino. Nothing changes the fact that a casino is not good for Plymouth and 73 percent of the residents voted against one. I represented those people Darlene Estey and Gary Colburn did not. They both told you five years ago that it was a "done deal," yet today the tribe has no more approvals then they did in 2003.