Duncan announces run for county supervisor

Nevada County Planning Commission Chairwoman Laura Duncan announced Friday she is running for District 2 supervisor in southern Nevada County.

The former Yuba City administrator will try to fill the shoes of sitting District 2 Supervisor Sue Horne, who appointed her to the commission in 2000.

The current supervisor is seeking the Republican nomination for California's 3rd District Assembly seat in the June 2008 primary.

It is held now by Rick Keene of Chico, who has reached his term limit. Horne said Friday that means she will not run for a third term as supervisor.

"Sue had shared with me that she is running for the Assembly," said Duncan, 57, about her decision. "I would not run against her," for re-election as supervisor

"Laura's been a very competent and dedicated planning commissioner for south county and all of Nevada County," Horne said. "I'm excited about someone coming up behind - I think turnover is good and brings new ideas."

Safety from wildfire, solid waste disposal and water supply are major topics that Duncan said she wanted to tackle for Nevada County. She said the county and the Nevada Irrigation District need to partner on future water supply issues as water wells dry up with growth.

"In our partnership, we need a good working relationship to let them know what Nevada County needs," Duncan said.

The majority of NID's water originates in Nevada County, but much if it is used in the portion of the district that includes booming Placer County.

Prior to her appointment as planning commissioner, Duncan served as chair and as a public member representative to LAFCO.

"With my background and experience, running for supervisor seems the next logical step to take," Duncan said. "Good things happen when you have the vision to embrace all the possibilities that can make for an even better Nevada County."

The new candidate attended UC Berkeley and has been deputy director of redevelopment and deputy city manager for Yuba City.

The new candidate and her husband, Peter, have lived in Nevada County since 1984. In addition to trail riding, they volunteer with local organizations.

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To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail davem@theunion.com or call 477-4237.