Fallbrook has a real friend

That Fallbrook could have such a political friend and benefactor was quite a surprise to me when I heard Laurel Nicholson speak recently about what I consider the three most important issues for the future of our community of Fallbrook. Laurel is running for the CA Assembly 66th District, which includes Fallbrook, Escondido and north into Riverside County. Her position on these Fallbrook issues, all dealing with our quality of life and environment, came directly and without equivocation. Most candidates try to hedge around these issues, giving unclear answers, but Laurel launched directly into our Fallbrook issues.

First Laurel announced her adamant opposition to the proposed Granite Construction quarry, a large mining operation adjacent to the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve on our northern border. The proposed mine would be 1,000 feet deep and a mile long, with I-15 access close to the Border Patrol station. Laurel cited the serious degradation to Fallbrook’s air quality from the dirt and dust generated by the 24-hour operation, the hundreds of mining trucks daily added to the freeway traffic and the light and noise pollution.

Having read that her Republican opponent, Kevin Jeffries, had accepted a large campaign contribution from Granite Construction, I pointedly asked Nicholson about this at the meeting. Reiterating her adamant opposition to the quarry, Nicholson asserted she had not and absolutely would never accept any contributions from Granite.

The second and third Fallbrook issues deal with headlong over-development, straining our roads and resources, schools and environment. Nicholson stated that Fallbrook has an enviable pristine rural character, which will disappear within a decade without balancing smart development with water, roads, schools and other public services, and the preservation of our rural environment. Nicholson stated that the giant development at the I-15 and Hwy 76 intersection must be repressed until the choking problems of the Hwy 76 and nearby roads are first addressed. She understood the severity of the Hwy 76 congestion and the concern in Fallbrook.

In conclusion, Laurel Nicholson emphasized she is pro-growth that is sensitive to the environment and the wishes of the folks in Fallbrook. I found her views and sincere concern a heartening change for a state political leader. It is rare to get a pro-environmental leader in this section of the state.

Joseph Crews