In response to Mr Reinhart”s letter (Feb. 20 Lake County Record-Bee) criticizing our resistance to development, I might or might not agree. If he is talking about potential high-quality development, as proposed for the Cristellago project north of Lakeport, or of a new owner improving Konocti Harbor to its potential as a world- class destination resort, I completely agree with him. We should carefully proceed to understand, control, and support such positive development as our county needs the jobs, revenue, and pride that results from such efforts.
However, if he is referring to the attempt by Kenwood Investments to find Native Americans in need of tribal lands and then put the Konocti Harbor property in trust so it can become a casino, I (and hopefully you) strongly disagree with him. Please realize that if Kenwood succeeds in lobbying Congress and puts this property in trust, all of us lose ability to control or influence this development. They have the proven ability to do this, they are strong lobbyists, Barbara Boxer”s son is a Kenwood partner. Most of the jobs will come from outside (the money is coming from a large gaming corporation); they will pay little if any local or state taxes; they do not have to contribute to the TOT fund which today is primarily funded by Konocti Harbor. And they can ignore all local zoning and building codes.
If Northern California really needs another large casino, let them find land that is more accessible. They must not be allowed to utilize this difficult-to-access pristine piece of shoreline on Clear Lake that sits at the base of Mt. Konocti. Join Supervisor Brown in stopping this misguided effort before it is too late.
Ed Calkins
Kelseyville
