Look for her in Election ”08
This letter is an appreciation for the outpouring of support given me during my recent campaign for Clearlake City Council. Special recognition and acknowledgment are given to the following individuals, news agencies, organizations, businesses and church:
Joyce Overton (mayor), Dorothy Myers (campaign manager), Barbara Christwitz, Marian Davis, Ed Robey, Jeff Smith, Dr. Louise Nan, Clarence and Sara Wright, Shirley Howland, Rick Mayo, Bessie Bell, Mike and Joan Moore, Robert and Welthy Harrison, Wendy White, Bill Berkey, Bill Bennett, Becky Curry, Walter and Sarah Roberts, Bernice Stuart, Alice Huffman, Pastor Linda Robinson, Josie Easley, Mother Walker, Aundray Bedford, Khalil and Melissa El-Amin, Sharrae Kidd, Abdul El-Amin and Omer Bakheit.
The following news agencies ? The Lake County Record-Bee, Clear Lake ObserverHAmerican, The Outlook, KXBX and Channel 33.
The following organizations ? The Democratic Central Committee and The Southlake Democratic Club, Yuba College, Clearlake Campus, The Rotary Club, Main Street Cafe ? Judge”s Breakfast (Judge Freeborn and Ed Robey) and The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce (Bob Aguirre) for hosting candidate forums.
The following businesses who hosted my political signs ? Andre”s Barbecue, Lake County Cleaners and Sewing Company, Time to Shop, Valero Gas Station, Prudential Realty, Spoil Me Rotten, Java Express, J & L, Kool & Kash, Avina”s Grocery Store and Travel Lodge.
And, finally, Praises of Zion ? for introducing me to their congregation.
In closing, no one has been intentionally overlooked or omitted. The experience gained and the warm and wonderful people met made all of my efforts worthwhile and enjoyable. Your prayers, contributions, flyering, bicycling, phone calling, precinct walking and sign placements are all very much appreciated. The next election for city council will be in two years. God willing, I”ll be here.
Yours in Peace,
Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit
Clearlake
It”s too easy to get doctor”s prescription for marijuana
While the original intent of “medical marijuana” was to ease the suffering of persons with debilitating illness, there are doctors who for a fee, will write a recommendation for anyone with the money. Just go in and complain of headaches, pay the fee and it”s off to any of the many dispensaries that have popped up, some even deliver to your door like pizza.
Last December”s double homicide in Clearlake was about medical marijuana and money. The Nov. 15 home invasion in the Oaks was over 25 pounds of medical marijuana according to the article. As best as I can determine from a Web search the going rate of an ounce today is $325 and up, that made $130,000 worth of pot this turkey had in his house. Broken down to smaller quantity this is worth about 20 percent more; no wonder the crime and violence is escalating.
While issuing ID cards will save law enforcement time and energy checking if a person has a doctor”s recommendation, there is still an abuse of the intent of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 by physicians who prescribe for profit. I think there should be more oversight in that process. There also needs to be an oversight in the dispensaries; I do not know exactly how they operate but I am sure there is little regulation or accounting. The dispensaries should be regulated like a pharmacy; if not for federal laws, pharmacies should be the ones dispensing, not some legitimized drug dealers with a storefront. It”s time to ask our state legislature to redefine the terms of use and sale and eliminate this dangerous loophole and spiraling violence.
Kristin Dugan
Clearlake
He”ll make one promise, to represent all the people
Now that all the votes have been counted, I would like to sincerely thank all those people who supported me in my quest for a seat on the council, and a special thanks to Bill, Brenda and “Smitty” for all their hard work, time and dedication.
In our campaign, I made no promises.
Now I will make one promise — to represent all the people of the City of Clearlake. It is also my hope that the people will attend the council meetings to voice their opinions.
Roy Simons
Clearlake
Hidden agenda is guiding Clearlake development
Just read Mr. Brumfield”s letter to the Clear Lake ObserverHAmerican. I cannot argue with most of his logic — obviously a prudent gentleman.
Contrary to your observations, Clearlake is in exemplary condition compared to my arrival in 1988. The street striping just completed is professional with a three-year guarantee. The main arterial streets are 100-percent better than when I arrived. Mr. Brumfield, look for the “positive.”
You say we have no money. Spare me; David Lane cut the road funds to balance his “budget.”
I happen to know on the one day City Hall is closed, our council is still out working for our city (for $350 a month). What penurious marlerkey you label them with. Mr. Brumfield, the job of the City Council is oversight and perspicacious selection of men to do the jobs you mentioned. If you are as fine a judge of men and their ability where is your input?
Sure the city administrator was a mistake. Hell, we were not allowed to contact their former employees for personal evaluation. So we look at an embellished resume and take a chance and look at David Lane”s disaster.
No, you can”t redo our city. You want a special district in our area. That”s 55-percent. We couldn”t raise that amount of revenue. Jesus man, widen small streets, lift every water pipe and meter, curbs and gutters. Fine, we”ll then have one way streets.
It”s rustic here Frank. I lived in your geometric cities: Venice, Santa Monica, San Diego, Los Angeles, Indiana, Missouri. Fine for them. Of course the people had no reasonable lodging. Let”s stay rustic. Myself and others love it. It”s why we”re here.
I sense a hidden agenda here, promulgated by apparently wealthy individuals. Why?
This is rapidly becoming wine country. You and your egalitarian compatriots want nothing more than to run the poor out now. A huge bond issue such as you advocate will do just that. Never mind strapping our youngsters with 20-30 years of bond payments. Look at those property taxes.
Now for your barely respectful treatment of City Hall. If you had Joyce Overton”s or Judy Thein”s job you would last two days. It takes much patience and identifying with ordinary people to run a city. Sorry Mr. Brumfield but you sound didactic. Overbearing and extremely egotistical. Based on your condescension.
I don”t know where you received information but city revenues are up and will go up and up. Look around at a soon to be prosperous city.
Leave our mayor and council alone. They have perimeters and are doing a damn fine job.
But Mr. Brumfield, let”s oil the roads (dirt roads), wait 10-15 years. The wine country elites will tax us all out of our quaint fishing village and give us your newest super rich community.
I”m guessing you have holdings you hope to profit from.
Profit the world and sell your soul. Poor trade Frank. Should you care to discuss this calmly, catch me at Java Express. Don”t bring an attitude for your sake.
Michael Moore
Clearlake
Freedom will never be free
God is love, for God so loved the world. Where is your love?
Some opinion letters show so much revulsion for our President. What a shame.
Do you still remember 911? What would you have done? Could you protect America from terrorists? What would you have done about Saddam Hussein? Freedom will never be free.
Should we support the Ten Commandments taken out of schools? Giving our future generation permission to live a free for all lifestyle. Anything goes. Some kids have never seen the inside of a church or Sunday School.
Our President is trying so hard to protect us. We need to get on our knees and pray for him and his safety. Our faith can move mountains. Anger only brings sickness.
My grandson is coming home from Iraq for Christmas. I can hardly wait to hold him in my arms.
Merry Christmas to all.
Dixie Tamblyn
Clearlake
The Observer*American welcomes correspondence about our coverage and about topics of local interest. Viewpoints in this section are the opinion of the author and their appearance should not be construed as a newspaper endorsement. We prefer that letters be typed into the body of an e-mail message (no attachments, please). However, we will also accept neatly printed or typewritten material. Please include your name, address and phone number to help us verify your submission. Address correspondence to:
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