We have another year of turmoil at City Hall. With the City Administrator already gone, the Chief of Police leaving at the end of the year, new council and short staff, there is much to be done.
We must move forward in a positive way. Many years of negativity have gone on; it is time to stop the negativity and work together as a community, to move our city forward.
Clearlake will not survive if we do not come together. It is the community that is the glue to our book. If we lose that glue, then the book falls apart. Let”s not let that happen. My hope is that this council will allow committees to help look into all the things that need to happen in Clearlake.
As I have said before, a plan is just a dream, but a plan with an implementation plan, is a dream come true. So let”s come together and make this dream for Clearlake come true for all of us.
We do not have time to wait until after the holidays to start things moving. We have a lot to consider and little time to make that happen. So please watch the PEG station and the newspapers for town hall meeting dates and time.
Our first town hall meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday at Clearlake City Hall. This is regarding the use of redevelopment money for the police department. This is a new concept and there will be a PowerPoint presentation and a question-and-answer session.
My promise to the citizens of Clearlake is that I will do everything in my power to, develop the best professional council and staff that is possible, and to improve our exiting business community with input and community involvement. My objectives are:
1. To develop and implement the best security force that is possible, to reduce crime and provide the best protection possible for our community
2. Develop our existing staff and recruit the best staff we can afford.
3. To have an open dialogue with the community about its future. By this I plan on having town hall meetings regarding the airport property, Lakeshore Drive, police department and RDA monies.
4. Start a junior council. This is where high school students run for office in the school. They then, participate at the council meetings. It is a great way to bring the youth into our government process. These young children need to be more involved in the city, and how government works. I believe this is a great way to start that dialogue. They are our future.
May the new year bring happiness and prosperity to all in our community.
I look forward to serving you in the year 2011 as your Mayor.
Joyce Overton
Clearlake
