I am new to politics, but I have run a business in the city of Clearlake for 15 years and have been going to city council meetings for some time. I do not understand why I see very little progress in redevelopment here. I look all around the county and see great improvements. I personally have redeveloped my 1941 building to perfection. Every year, goals were set and achieved one by one.
Recently, I discovered that a letter appeared in the Record-Bee and Observer-American under my signature, endorsing Joyce Overton for District 2 Supervisor. I did not write this letter nor do I support Joyce”s candidacy. I did sign it with the understanding that it was to reduce fees and that other people had also already signed it.
I have been friends with Joyce Overton for many years and I agree that she has done her best on many projects, but I am saddened by her recent lack of leadership, when despite testimony from many citizens she voted to move ahead with the Airport Redevelopment Project. By acting in this way she is continuing to support Dale Neiman”s complete control of the city of Clearlake. For this reason I cannot possibly endorse her campaign for supervisor.
I am also very disappointed in Jeff Smith, who also seems to be on board this runaway train. Jeff lost my vote about two years ago when he and Anthony Farrington turned down a grant to renovate juvenile hall because it required local matching funds. I think the children deserve the chance to be healed in a facility that will promote growth.
Currently our hall is in disrepair and with no kitchen facility; most of the facility is no longer in use for it is not up to code. Sorry Jeff, but that was an important issue to this community. Intervention is the only way to change the lives of these children. One dollar spent today will save thousands tomorrow, not to mention these are our children. So for now I would like to say God help the city of Clearlake. I will sign off with faith, hope and courage to fight for the city at the next council meeting.
Jeri Spittler
Clearlake
