Why does city council oppose new businesses?
In response to the letter from Anita Gordon (Observer*American, Oct 29). First, we would like to say , “We owe and apology to no one for telling the truth.” Seems like some members of our community are offended when faced with the truth.
If the good old boys who run the local big stores would have fair prices and allow competition then we would be for them. When I can rent a U-Haul truck and drive to Vacaville, buy $1300 of building supplies and yet save over $400 from the quotes I got from Mendo Mill and 4 Corners. I have done this twice and both times saved a substantial amount of money. When Wal-Mart wanted to open a super Wal-Mart , who were the major ones against this store? It was Safeway Ray”s and Foods, Etc. They also are afraid of competition; they may have to lower their prices to a fair level. They said that if a super Wal-Mart opened they would have to lay off a large amount of their employees.
If the city council really wants to improve the living conditions in Clearlake, then why oppose new businesses? I understand Home Depot and also Lowe”s were interested in opening stores locally but told no. Why are these businesses afraid of some competetion? Perhaps then they would not have captive customers forced to pay higher prices or drive 125 miles to save money. Why are the same items that are available at 4 Corners and Mendo Mill , found at Wal-Mart, same item, from the same manufacturer but many dollars cheaper.
The city council used State funds to repair the main roads in town; if the state had not come forward the streets would still be in the same condition. What is stopping the city from at least grading the unpaved roads? This would be a temporary fix and not that expensive. Perhaps Ms. Gordon likes paying 20-40 percent more for items at these stores than she would if they had some competition.
Mr and Mrs Henry D Citti Jr
Clearlake
Has the right to protest been taken away?
On Nov. 18, the new proposed Water and Sewer rates will go into effect for the Clearlake Oaks County Water District. The district must raise its rates.
While single-family dwellings will have their basic rates raised, single-family dwellings in mobile home parks will not. Is there a conflict here? The district needs this money. This rate increase will be done without a mail-out to the homeowners.
Shouldn”t the homeowners have the right to know what their increases will be? Has the right to protest been taken away?
Pat Shaver
Clearlake Oaks
Editor”s Note: Mrs. Shaver is a former director of the Clearlake Oaks County Water District.
Three citizens fight for expanded DMV
I wish to commend Melinda Young, Bill Shields, and Public Access TV8 Manager Allen Markowski. These three citizens are mobilizing south county residents with DVDs, petitions and information to help seniors and disabled people.
The Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Clearlake”s shopping center, is open only one day a week. Although officials say there are no plans to change that, Bill Shields is organizing people to stand outside of Wal-Mart and outside of the DVM with petitions asking that the DMV increase its hours and days of operation.
Allen made DVDs of the interviews done outside the DMV Oct. 23, and Bill Shields is taking a copy and showing it this week at the senior center in Clearlake Oaks. According to the information sheet, 35,000 to 40,000 people live in the combined communities of Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Middletown, Hidden Valley, Lower Lake, Spring Valley, Glenhaven and all surrounding areas.
The information sheet goes on to state that many of those living in Clearlake are on fixed incomes and find it hard to wait three hours in line at the DMV in Clearlake. Melinda Young began this effort after studying the needs of the seniors and the disabled. I commend this effort by citizens who put together their energy to help the community and make it a better place for all of us.
Joan Moss
Lakeport
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to letters@clearlakeobserver.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Please include complete name, address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will be discarded.
