CLEARLAKE >> William Shields is running for Clearlake City Council for only one reason: to pave the dirt road he says he lives on and to pave the other streets.
“I am sick and tired of people driving up and down a dirt road and dust flying every place,” he said “After 35 years, it’s time for the city to work on roads.”
Besides bringing more service-oriented businesses to the city, his mission is the only issue his campaign focuses on. However, he didn’t have any solutions to fix the street — just that the city needs to a better job at managing its money. In fact, that problem is exactly why he believes nothing will be done even if the one cent sales tax increase — specifically meant for roads — is approved in November. He failed to explain further when asked.
“The city doesn’t want to do it [fix the infrastructure],” Shields added. “They won’t even fix the potholes. Someone’s got to be accountable … [the city’s money] is not being used to help the public.”
The 45-year resident had more criticism of the council, saying they don’t really listen to citizens. Praise for city leadership was reserved only for City Manager Greg Folsom.
“It looks like they already have their mind made up about Clearlake,” the retired carpenter explained. “It does absolutely no good to stand up there and voice your opinions at citizen’s input [during council meetings] — it means nothing.”
If he’s elected, he said he will do his best to hear every citizen that comes to him.
“A person like me has respect for other people and other people’s feelings,” he noted.
