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CAROL PATTON
“The biggest problem we face is lack of money — and that’s not necessarily a huge problem, because people come up with ingenious ways of thinking when money isn’t handed to you,” said Carol Patton, candidate for Placerville City Council. “People travel the nation to visit heritage towns.We have the real deal here and we have to showcase it. We need to respect our past and make changes to keep pace with the future.”
Patton, 54, has lived in El Dorado County since 1980 and raised two children here. Currently an office manager for a financial consulting firm, she owned Placerville Clothing on Main Street for 18 years, was an active member of the Placerville Downtown Association and a Placerville Planning Commission for 11 years.
“I want to make a difference in my community, especially now with a grandson,” said Patton. “Historically, I’ve always been involved with city projects and local government in Placerville and I enjoyed it immensely. When I closed my business in 2011, I took a step back for a while and found I really missed being involved.”
One focus for Patton, if elected to City Council, will be how to raise sales tax revenues in the city. “We live and die with sales tax revenue. What is critical is the character of Placerville — how we encourage big retailers to come to Placerville and yet not end up looking like everyone else.” Patton says there are under-utilized areas all over the city that could be used for big retailers.
Her wide range of connections made over the years through her business background, membership in a variety of organizations, such as the Sierra Business Council, the Placerville Area Convergence Team and Community Pride and through living in Placerville are what Patton believes she brings to City Council. “Connections are critical in a small town and I don’t think the people running against me have near the depth in that regard.”
Patton, a former landscaper, spearheaded the popular dopwntown hanging flower basket project, working to plant the baskets hanging throughout downtown, organizing fundraisers to build the baskets and getting them put up and watered during the hot summer.
While not a fan of the Hangman, Patton believes that businesses should do what they want to do. “But the Hangman is a sign and they should apply for a sign permit like any other business.”
She continues to be a proponent of the Clay Street Bridge/roundabout project and her history with the development of the project goes back 15 years to its beginning. “People never really got to see the project and all the funding components that supported it.”
Patton does not believe the homeless encampment, Hangtown Haven, should be a government responsibility. “Historically, churches and different social organizations took in the homeless and I believe that’s who should take care of the problem. The city has some responsibility and it’s admirable that it’s involved, but the solution shouldn’t be government-driven.”
“The people of Placerville — and the Hangtown Creek are Placerville’s greatest assets,” said Patton. “I would love to see the creek daylighted and open to the public. Maybe businesses could see the creek as a benefit instead having their backs to it.”
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voterSeptember 25, 2012 - 12:53 pm
If you supported redevelopment, vote for Carol Patton. If you're missing Dave Machado, vote for Carol Patton.
sergioSeptember 25, 2012 - 6:00 pm
you must be kidding...a failure like Patton is running for something? She was for the 1/4 cent increase in sales tax in P'ville to help cover sewer and water charges and then she was behind the screwy roundabout fiasco and then behind the redevelopment scam...She was also a big time supporter of the convicted criminal Macedo...
sergioSeptember 25, 2012 - 6:07 pm
correction, Carol Patton WAS AGAINST the 1/4 cent sale tax increase that helped relieve the increase in Sewer and Water increase
Foaming at the MouthSeptember 25, 2012 - 8:34 pm
Sergio - "for," "against" - whatever, right? At least you know who you hate, that's the most important thing nowadays!
jackSeptember 26, 2012 - 5:19 am
Patton had a failed clothing business downtown the windows of which were plastered with political signs against the sales tax increase (the PEOPLE raised and passed this issue) which was suppose to have gone to help reduce the water and sewer rate increases. Patton drove the local clientele to shop elsewhere thereby driving her out of business. Patton also owned, with her husband, another business downtown that sold sporting goods which went broke and her husband left her. Patton was one of the remaining friends of the crooked criminal Dave Machado who was removed from the position of Mayor because of his obnoxious behavior. Some record for Placerville.
ShirleySeptember 26, 2012 - 5:51 am
"When I sold my business in 2011..." Huh? Carol Patton did not sell her business, Carol Patton went BROKE because she drove all her customers AWAY. Carol Patton had a clothing business and the business that now occupies the space is a novelty store selling nomes and trinkets. Now, Carol Patton can not tell the truth?
Justice InsiderSeptember 26, 2012 - 6:19 am
Carol Patton is the classic definition for desperate candidate. She starts the interview with a lie. "When I sold my business in 2011". Maybe those going out of business signs in the windows are a new way to attract biz buyers? Now she wants to raise sales tax? That's exactly what people need most right now, more taxes. And the best one, the dummy needs a sign permit. Carol is out to lunch, and so are the voters if they buy into her.
sergioSeptember 26, 2012 - 7:22 am
“Connections are critical in a small town and I don’t think the people running against me have near the depth in that regard.” Carol Patton quote...you betcha...Carol Patton's connections are to the convicted criminal ex-Mayor Machado
CarolynSeptember 26, 2012 - 12:18 pm
Thanks to Carol and the other members of the Placerville Downtown Assn. is why we only get 2 hrs. free parking downtown. Maybe that is why Carol went out of business, her prices were way to high, plus I never had time to go out to lunch plus time to look around and shop Sorry Carol I couldn't make it to your clothing store, you weren't on my time schedule of only 2 hrs. free parking.
Douglas W.September 26, 2012 - 12:50 pm
Carol Patton was one the planning commission and crimes of crimes In N Out had planted palm trees that were part of their theme but did not agree with "expert" Patton's ideas about landscaping, as meager as those are. So inside her store they started spreading rumors that inside the cups of In N Out are Christian Quotes...BIG CRIME...well there are if you ever can find them...Big Whoop, right? and Placerville wants a person of Carol Patton's character, or lack thereof, on the City Council?
Chuck HollandSeptember 26, 2012 - 4:29 pm
There seems to be a downward flow in the comments here. Carol, maybe you should find something else to occupy your spare time, the city counsel gig may not work out.