January 28, 2007

Mitzelfelt elected vice chairman of government coalition

Mohave Valley News [Laughlin, NV]

KINGMAN - At a special meeting of the Quad State County Government Coalition, Mohave County Sup. Buster D. Johnson was elected by unanimous vote of its membership to the position of chairman. At the same meeting, San Bernardino County 1st District Sup. Brad Mitzelfelt was elected vice chairman.

"I appreciate the support of the other supervisors who have placed me in this leadership position at such a critical time," Johnson said in a press release. Johnson was referring to Quad State being granted intervener status in the Center for Biological Diversity vs. U.S. Bureau of Land Management case. "We must find a balance were we can allow economic development and recreational activities on BLM land and still protect the desert tortoise," Johnson said.

The Quad State County Government Coalition is a Joint Exercise of Powers Authority established between counties from California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

The coalition was organized to provide a multi-county voice to keep a balance between conservation of endangered species and economic development as more and more land is being taken away from RVers, off-roaders, hikers, horsemen, ranchers and other public users for the protection of the desert tortoise and other species.