By Kathryn Reed

State law has been changed to allow elected officials to serve on the California Tahoe Conservancy board.

Late last year it was brought to light that Government Code pertaining to just this state conservancy prevented elected officials from being on the board. The CTC, though, since its inception in 1985 had allowed elected officials on the board.

When the board started questioning Executive Director Patrick Wright’s decisions and leadership, CTC staff suddenly brought this rule to light. Issues with Wright are still not fully resolved. He had a review this spring after years of not having one. All that was said publicly is that the board this fall would discuss his performance further.

Former Councilman Hal Cole this year has been representing the city, while Senior Deputy County Counsel Paula Frantz has been serving on the CTC board since January for El Dorado County.

Larry Sevinson has been Placer County’s non-elected representative for long before the conflict was brought to light.

At the Aug. 15 meetings of the South Lake Tahoe City Council and El Dorado County Board of Supervisors the bodies are expected reappoint one of their own to the board. Tom Davis had been representing the city prior to the brouhaha. Sue Novasel was representing the county.

Cole has said he would continue to serve if that’s the council’s choice, but believes it should be one of the five councilmembers. County staff is recommending Supervisor Sue Novasel return to the CTC board. Historically the District 5 supervisor has been the rep.

Assemblyman Frank Bigelow, R-Fresno, who represents the South Shore, introduced the change in the law.