Abe in the supe now

A nervous Roger Abe stood between the American and state flags mid—day Monday in the Yuba County Board of Supervisors Chambers, joined by John Nicoletti and Mary Jane Griego. The three raised their right hands and repeated the oath of office.

Abe, 52, was elected to represent District 4 in June. He joins Nicoletti and Griego, re—elected to Districts 2 and 3, respectively, to serve four—year terms as supervisor.

In an upset, Abe easily defeated three—term incumbent Don Schrader by capturing 68 percent of the vote.

"I'm nervous," Abe said moments before being sworn in. "I've still got a tremendous amount of learning to do. It's going to be an interesting time."

District 4 serves Wheatland, District 10, Hallwood and Beale Air Force Base.

Abe, a walnut farmer and lawyer, was joined by his wife Sue for the swearing—in ceremony.

He said he looks forward to being a part of the county's general plan update, which is in progress. The document is designed to give guidelines and objectives of how the county should plan future growth.

A regional wastewater treatment plant is also on Abe's list of priorities.

"There's a need," Abe said. "And it's a big part of our county's growth. We need to get the infrastructure in place before business can grow in this county."

Steps to begin the process toward regionalization of wastewater started several months ago and includes Marysville, Wheatland, Olivehurst, Linda and Beale.

With Abe on the board and another position left to be appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger — Dan Logue vacated the District 1 seat when he was elected to the state Assembly in November — the composition of the Yuba County board could change dramatically.

Supervisor Hal Stocker (District 5) and Griego were often in the minority when voting on large projects, such as Yuba Highlands — a 5,100—home development in the foothills between Beale Air Force Base and Spenceville Wildlife Area. But with the new members, the minority could soon become the majority.

"It's possible" there'll be a change, Stocker said. "But I hope (Abe) has a happy, productive and non-controversial four years."

Stocker, who supported Abe's bid for the supervisor's seat, said he looks forward to working with the new board member.

"It's going to be tough," Stocker said. "It's a tough time for the county and the state and the country."

An appointment for District 1 could take up to six months, according to the governor's office. Several people have filed applications to fill the seat, including former supervisors Joan Saunders and Brent Hastey.

District 1 represents Linda.

Griego and Nicoletti also welcomed Abe to the board and warned of the challenges that face all of them with potential budget cuts and the grim economic outlook.

The new board's first meeting of 2009 is at 5:15 tonight.

New Face in Sutter County

Yuba City attorney James Gallagher was officially sworn in Monday as Sutter County's newest supervisor. Gallagher takes over the 5th District from Dan Silva.

The Rio Oso native and former legislative aide for Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa ran unopposed in last year's primary and election. Gallagher found himself on his own after others who had either publicly declared an intention to run or took out nomination papers ultimately decided not to file for the race.

That included the incumbent, Silva, who took out papers but announced during a Board of Supervisors meeting he would not run, citing family obligations and job opportunities.

The district includes roughly the southern 60 percent of Sutter County.

Gallagher is the grandson of a previous District 5 supervisor, Robert Gallagher. A ceremonial swearing-in will take place at tonight's supervisors meeting.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey at 749-4709 or akoskey@appeal-democrat.com.