RCPG Candidate Forum: How Would You Help the Community To Grow in the Equestrian Aspect?

The Ramona Equine Industry Network (REIN) hosted a forum on Sept. 19 at the Community Center to allow the public to hear from the Ramona Community Planning Group candidates and their stance on hot-button issues.

Each week leading up to the Nov. 6 elections, Ramona Patch will post one of the questions asked at the forum, along with each of the present candidate's responses.

Keep a look out each week to see what the group hopefuls had to say on things like vineyards, the equine industry and road safety issues.

You've got a taste of what the planning group hopefuls thought of Ramona's ever-growing grape industry, their vision for safety on Highway 67 and the future of rural Ramona.

This week, we take a glance at Ramona's equine industry and thoughts on advancing it.

How would you help the community to grow in the equestrian industry?

Kathy DaSilva: When they widen San Vicente Road, there will be a multipurpose path... with no barrier. I want a barrier for horses and riders (read more about that here).

Jim Cooper: Hay costs are high... I'm concerned about the slaughtering of horses. Neighbors complain about "horses and smells..." it's an issue we all need to understand. Community discourse is a good approach. We need to create a forum for horse owners.

Barbara Jensen: I think there needs to be a balance.

Jim Piva: We can support it if it fits the county requirements. We allow people to develop their property as they see fit.

Richard Tomlinson: It's not so much growing, it's stabilizing the industry. We need to work with zoning.

Torry Brean: I support the trail plan. The greatest risk is the horse insdustry is dying and there are smaller lots being made. If we want to protect the culture of Ramona... we have to protect the lots.

Robin Joy Maxson: I'm on the West Subcommittee. I am the Vice President of the Ramona Trails Association and a member of the San Diego County Equestrian Foundation. I would volunteer to serve as an equestrian-informed RCPG member when elected to the group and I would assist the RCPG with equine-oriented issues.