I am a real estate developer in downtown Clearlake currently with an application into the city to build 14 upscale town homes/condos. I recently became aware of the wrongful termination of Angela Basch, director of the city planning department, and was very distressed to hear the news. With Angela no longer in her position, my project is now stalled within the city”s planning department and as a result, is costing me thousands and thousands of dollars but more importantly, very valuable wasted time. There are also approximately 15 to 20 other developers currently in my same position. To put it bluntly, we are not happy.
Angela worked very diligently with each and every one of us to help place us in a position to be of great financial benefit to Clearlake as well as legally remaining within the city”s guidelines for the necessary construction permits. She worked tirelessly with each of us to insure we all had plans that would enhance the beauty of an already beautiful city that needed a much needed “facelift.” To hear about the circumstances of her termination, which was not only illegal, unprofessional, ridiculous, and unnecessary, it was an action definitely unworthy of the people of the City of Clearlake. I believe this action was taken against Angela for the personal reasons of just a few individuals who did not like her because of her “take-charge” attitude … and dare I suggest it? … because she is a woman who will not be intimidated into playing with the “old boys” club” rules.
I strongly urge the City Council to reconsider their position concerning Angela”s termination and rehire her as soon as possible. Because of my position as a developer with a project being illegally stalled by the city, I will in fact, contact all the other developers in my similar position, and will sue the City for slowing down our projects. I will also urge Angela to legally pursue action against the City for her wrongful termination. It would appear to me that this costly litigation (for all these combined lawsuits against the city) as well as all this wasted time could be prevented if the City Council decided to reverse their position and correct what was clearly an illegal action on their part.
There is no question Clearlake is changing very rapidly and progress is on its way. It is very difficult for a community to change as rapidly as what is currently happening to this City. It is however, inevitable that progress cannot be stopped. In order to make this transition as peaceful and as positive as possible, I believe people must decide what is in the best interest of the majority and not let the “power” of a few who wish to maintain their control dictate what happens. Clearly this situation, which will be costly at the very least, should be examined very closely and a decision based on what is in the best interest of the majority should be considered versus the decision of a few who have personal agendas and really don”t give a damn about what happens to everyone else.
While I am not a resident of Clearlake, I care very much what happens to this beautiful city. I am building these town homes/condos in the name of my only child who died several years ago. I come in peace and want only the best for all concerned. I want to preserve as much as possible the natural beauty and integrity of Clearlake. Most importantly of all however, I want all of us to live in harmony. To the citizens of Clearlake, I ask that you make this wish come true and prevent a very ugly situation from happening — particularly since it is preventable and can so easily be remedied. This is the season for good will and this New Year promises to bring great changes. Let us look forward to living in peace, harmony and tranquility. Amen.
Ingrid Robinson, a resident of San Anselmo, is a real estate developer in the City of Clearlake.
