Aqeela Bakheit
Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit has retired. “I earned my Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies/Human Devel-opment degree, from California State University, Hayward, in 1996; I am currently enrolled in Long Ridge Writer”s Institute.”
Why are you running for a seat on the Clearlake City Council?
“I am running for a seat on the Clearlake City Council because of my concern with the condition of our roads, with the need to designate a downtown area, with the explosion of new developments, and the need for a positive social and recreational outlet for our youth. My concerns are also with adequate representation and care for our seniors/retirees. “
What unique qualifications do you bring to the position of councilmember?
“My unique qualifications are that I am a former community activist with a 36 year old organization founded in Little Rock, Arkansas. I represented this organization on a local, and statewide basis. Some of my accomplishments are getting speed bumps placed in heavily trafficked areas, bringing attention to and getting burned out street lights replaced, having a more secure fence placed at the entry of a creek (behind my residence) that was a danger to the youth, successfully getting funding for the organization by addressing advisory boards, and a miscellany of other successes. I currently serve on some boards in the local area. When complaints, or issues are brought to my attention, (on either or any board on which I serve), I listen not only to the complaint, but how the complaint is crafted; if the other party is available, I ask for their side of the issue; or if the issue requires research and development, then that is the avenue taken.”
How often do you attend a Clearlake City Council meeting?
“I attend the City Council meetings on a regular basis.”
What are three of the most important issues that affect the City of Clearlake and the Redevelopment Agency?
“Some issues that affect the City of Clearlake and the Redevelopment Agency are streets, parks and recreation, the general plan and zoning ordinances.”
How closely do you follow Konocti School District happenings and county government decisions?
“I routinely check the newspaper and the Internet (e-mail) for Konocti School District and county government decisions. I also discuss these decisions with friends who share the same interest. “
How closely do you follow happenings at the state and federal level?
“Describe between one and three state or federal issues that could have a direct impact on the City of Clearlake.”
“State and federal issues that affect us locally are followed on a pretty much routine basis also. In particular the issue of imminent domain, the continuing war in Iraq, the healthcare issue, the out of control deficit, social security, and a miscellany of other issues.”
Chuck Leonard
Chuck Leonard, 68, is a retired purchasing agent. He is a high school graduate.
Why are you running for a seat on the Clearlake City Council?
“The City of Clearlake is on an upward swing. We need good people and wise decision makers on this path to progress. I know I can help to make important decisions in this process.”
What unique qualifications do you bring to the position of councilmember?
“My record will reflect my experience with local government agencies which qualifies me to be an asset to our City Council. i.e. Planning Commission/ Chairman one year, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), County Vector Control Board Trustee, County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, Economic Development Committee for Clearlake.”
How often do you attend a Clearlake City Council meeting?
“I have attended almost all City Council and Planning Commission meetings for the past eight years.”
What are three of the most important issues that affect the City of Clearlake and the Redevelopment Agency?
“1. Continued financial stability.
“2. Creating a means to improve our street system.
“3. Austin Resort/Business Park development which will improve our economic climate.”
How closely to you follow Konocti School District happenings and county government decisions?
“I follow the Konocti School District in the newspapers regularly and I”m looking forward to being a part of the upcoming cooperative efforts between the City Council and the Konocti School District.”
How closely do you follow happenings at the state and federal level?
“I stay abreast of the issues and decisions which affect the County and the City of Clearlake.”
Describe between one and three state or federal issues that could have a direct impact on the City of Clearlake.
“1.? Proposition 90 on the November ballot would severely restrict the ability of our City to rezone and to limit growth.
“2.? Proposition 1A would restrict the State from using the existing 6 percent tax on gasoline on projects other than transportation.”
Roy Simons
Roy Simons, 80, is a retired construction superintendent and a high school graduate.
Why are you running for a seat on the Clearlake City Council?
“To make necessary changes in our city.”
What unique qualifications do you bring to the position of councilmember?
“With experience working with redevelopment to bring it out of virtual bankruptcy and create some positive projects for the people of this community.”
How often do you attend a Clearlake City Council meeting?
“Over the past 20 years, about 75 percent.”
What are three of the most important issues that affect the City of Clearlake and the Redevelopment Agency?
“Safety. Proper street maintenance. An understanding of how redevelopment is supposed to work.”
How closely to you follow Konocti School District happenings and county government decisions?
“Whenever it concerns the City of Clearlake.”
How closely do you follow happenings at the state and federal level?
“Only when time allows.”
Describe between one and three state or federal issues that could have a direct impact on the City of Clearlake.
“This should be the duty of legal counsel to keep the city council informed.”
