Candidates for Plumas District 5 Share Backgrounds and Priorities

GREAGLE — Incumbent District 5 Supervisor Jeff Engel and two challengers, Mimi Garner and Nick Collin, are vying for the seat on the Plumas County Board of Supervisors that Engel has held since 2015. The 5th District occupies the southwest corner of Plumas County and includes the communities of Delleker, Graeagle, Cromberg, Spring Garden, La Porte, and part of East Quincy. The candidates provided statements on their backgrounds and campaign priorities in response to an invitation from The Mountain Messenger.

Nick Collin

My wife and I moved to Graeagle 9 years ago. I have held the position of Director of Facilities and Airports at Plumas County for 2 years and have worked hard to save the county money while getting the needed work done. I was instrumental in getting the Engie Energy project halted as it was truly a bad deal for the county which will save millions of dollars.

I have watched too many times the decisions the Board of Supervisors have made that I don’t believe they educated themselves enough to make the right decisions, the Engie Project being the biggest. I have proven in my current position that I can get the work done while saving the county taxpayers money.

I am asking for the opportunity to be the voice of District 5 and represent the county on the many issues we face.

Jeff Engel

Plumas County has been my home for over 63 years. I was raised here, graduated from Portola High School, and began my college education at Feather River College before continuing at College of the Redwoods. After returning home, I married my wife, Jennifer, also a Portola High graduate, and together we raised our three children here. We also built our family-owned business, Engel Construction, which has proudly served Plumas County for over 44 years.

I am a hardworking, honest, and a common-sense leader. As a self-employed business owner and your District 5 Supervisor, I value practical decision-making, and accountability in working with residents, visitors, county employees, fellow elected officials, and taxpayer dollars.

During my time as Supervisor, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of several important efforts:

• Bringing California’s first public co-generation biomass facility into operation at The Annex

• Working with Flood Control to secure the sale of excess water, generating $675,250 in 2025

• Helping get our new jail built, along with hiring bonuses for deputies, correctional officers, and dispatchers

• Partnering with Caltrans to build a new approach, off of Highway 70, into the Historic Feather River Inn

• Spent many hours and am continuing standing firm against Commercial Cannabis Operations in Plumas County

These accomplishments were achieved with the help and dedication of local residents and Plumas County employees, department heads, and fellow elected officials.

In Quincy, I’ve been called “The No Man.” I do my homework and when something doesn’t sit right—especially involving taxpayer dollars—I’m willing to stand alone and vote “no.” I’ve done just that on two very expensive issues that Plumas County continues paying for.

Public safety remains one of my highest priorities. If reelected, I will continue focusing on keeping our communities safe and ensuring strong financial management through a balanced budget and limiting unnecessary spending.

With my children and grandchildren living here, this is personal. I love Plumas County and remain committed to preserving its beauty and what makes it a wonderful place to live, work, play and raise a family.

Please reach out with questions or ideas. I would sure appreciate your support and your vote.

Mimi Garner

I am running for Plumas County Supervisor in District 5 because our community deserves strong, experienced leadership, practical solutions, and a clear vision for the future.

I came to Plumas County in 1995, purchased 1,280 acres, and developed the Gold Mountain community, Dragon Golf Course, and Nakoma Resort—a $65+ million project that created jobs, generated millions in tax revenue, and brought national attention to our region. Nakoma is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed clubhouse from 1924. This experience taught me how to build from the ground up, manage complex budgets, and deliver results that benefit an entire community.

Today, our county faces a $6.5 million budget deficit, and voters are being asked to consider a 1% sales tax increase. I support a balanced approach. Before raising taxes, we must improve efficiency—reduce unnecessary spending, consolidate facilities where possible, upgrade outdated systems, and set clear, workable priorities.

My priorities are straightforward.

• First, improve county operations by ensuring departments are properly staffed, supported, coordinated, and held accountable.

• Second, strengthen our local economy by encouraging responsible development and supporting small businesses. As a Realtor and developer, I know how to attract investment and create opportunity.

• Third, address the rising cost of living so hard working families, seniors, veterans, and young people can afford to stay and thrive in Plumas County.

One of my greatest concerns is the lack of opportunity for our younger generation. Too many feel they must leave to succeed. I believe they shouldn’t have to. By creating jobs, supporting vocational education, and expanding housing opportunities, we can build a future where young families thrive here at home.

I also bring a strong record of community service, including my long-term commitment and work with the Eastern Plumas Recreation District and several other local nonprofit organizations.

I understand both the opportunities and the challenges we face—and I am ready to take action. For me, this campaign is about putting District 5 first—always.

I would be honored to earn your vote.