We were very disappointed at the failure of Measure S. As 20 year residents, and lifetime visitors to Clear Lake, we have watched the quality of the Lake decline, and have heard many discussions regarding just what to do about it.
While standing in line at the Clearlake Safeway, I heard a little girl ask her mother “why are we buying this?” The mother explained she had to buy drinking water because they could not drink the water from the tap. The mother then volunteered to me, that her dog and cat even refused to drink the tap water. A few years ago, a nice lady from the Bay Area bought a resort in Clearlake. After much investment in improvements, she lost the resort because the quality of the water was such that reservations were cancelled, and she could no longer pay the bills. The point is, health and income are being affected by the poor condition of the lake. It costs money to do any of the things the county wants to do to improve it.
The “no tax” mentality currently pervading politics has made it impossible to invest in the future of our county. If one imagines the Romans built aqueducts and roads without taxes, they are seriously in error. Taxes are the price of civilization, and we must have foresight and a long view to the future. While the Colosseum of Rome was built over a span of ten years, other ancient edifices in the Mediterranean took 15 or 20 years to complete. The human life span of the day was short, but the contribution to the future of society was valued.
The week before the election, we drove down Main Street in Lakeport (braving the numerous potholes). From 11th Street to Rotten Robbie”s, we counted 6 “yes on S” signs: Two at Renee”s, one at Coldwell Banker, one at a mechanic shop, one at an empty building and one on a vacant lot. It appears the businesses, some of whose livelihoods depend on tourism, either did not support the measure, or were afraid to offend the no tax people. Sadly, practically on the eve of the election, the Record-Bee, which should be promoting the good for this county, published an unfriendly article on measure S on the front page. [Editor”s note: Prior to the election we examined the views of both proponents and opponents in the news section]. If the businesses and citizens in this county cannot get behind a good faith effort to improve the economy, then they should stop complaining about the condition of the lake. If you don”t have enough customers, don”t complain. If your mortgage exceeds the value of your house, don”t complain. If your drinking water smells or tastes bad, don”t complain. If the potholes ruin your car, don”t complain.
When Konocti Harbor Inn was open and gave a concert, every motel in the county was full. There was an ATM in the shopping center in the Riviera, where visitors could withdraw money to spend in the county. Once Konocti closed it”s doors, the ATM was removed for lack of use. If one imagines that Konocti could be bought and returned to the economic engine it once was, without improvement in the quality of the lake, he or she is dreaming.
In the words of Pogo the Opossum ” We have met the enemy, and he is us.” (Pogo, by Walt Kelly)
Robert and Janet Swedberg, Kelseyville
