Several weeks ago, I read a wonderful column in the paper by Mandy Feder. She, in so many words wrote about people who complain, “why isn”t this done and that done?” When it comes to our city. And do any of us ever go to the town meetings? I have to admit that column brought me to reality. I admit I am one of those complainers. It really opened my eyes up. I am constantly complaining about something. The roads, the lack of enforcement around here, you name it, I complained. So I told myself I would attend the next meeting. At the beginning of the week I read a very interesting letter written by Judy Thein, encouraging everyone to come to the town hall meeting to discuss public safety.
I went to the meeting. I have to say what an eye-opener that was. I now have a lot of respect for what the city is going through. It”s amazing that when you actually sit in on these meetings, how much you learn about what this little town of ours is actually faced with. I was also surprised at the lack of community support we have here. After the meeting I thought long and hard about how many people actually attended, not as many as I was expecting. It really puzzles me about the lack of interest from the public. I admit, I never got involved, but I saw a different side to it by going to the meeting. One of the things I meant by lack of support is that people should look around. There are a lot of overgrown yards out there.
It doesn”t cost anything to clean them up. We can all keep our eyes and ears open to report anything to the police. They need our help also. Get involved people instead of turning a blind eye. Help our one animal control officer by reporting anything that isn”t right. Clean your yards up so we don”t need code enforcement. Get rid of all that junk. There are free dump days certain times of the year. We, the citizens of Clearlake, need to get more involved instead of constantly complaining, like I did. I”m not complaining now, except to those of you who have the attitude, “I don”t care.” This city only has the funds to do so much. They can”t do it all right now, so it”s up to you to do something about it. Also, get involved with the city council meetings. Then you”ll know what it”s all about. I do, now. And for that, I apologize for my previous lack of understanding.
Linda Pannell Bateman
Clearlake
