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Letters
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- Written by: Maria Giovanni
After some reading and talking with those responsible for the agency, I believe that the acquisition of this property is an ideal use of redevelopment agency funds and is consistent with the purposes for which the agency was created.
Redevelopment agencies are formed under specific California laws for the purpose of economic development and elimination of blight. Lake County’s agency was formed in 1999 and the plan for the Northshore Redevelopment Area was adopted in 2001.
Here are responses to my questions, which may be helpful to others in understanding this significant purchase.
Why? The Lake County Redevelopment Agency exists to eliminate blight and replace these areas with prosperous businesses and revitalized community areas to support economic development and job growth. Private business would not be willing to take on the risk of developing these areas.
Who? While the Lake County Board of Supervisors serves as the board of directors of the redevelopment agency, public involvement is critical to ensure that citizen needs and priorities are included.
How? The agency is not funded with the county budget or regular taxes. The agency (not the county) incurs debt to purchase and improve blighted properties. The debt is repaid with money that is generated from a portion of the resulting increase in property tax revenues within the project area. These monies are collected when a property is sold, constructed, or improved in the redevelopment area. Current properties are protected under Proposition 13. The redevelopment agency is committed to working with local contractors and encouraging public-private partnerships.
Where? The Northshore Project Area comprises much of the developed areas from Upper Lake in the northwest to Clearlake Oaks in the southeast. The money can only be used for properties and improvements within its boundaries (the map is posted in the county offices and on the Web site below).
Other benefits? The redevelopment agency considers infrastructure, affordable housing, safety and the environment in their plans.
For more information, visit www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Redevelopment.htm.
Maria Giovanni lives in Nice, Calif.
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- Written by: Claire Grieve
He spoke of the military guard here today some still on duty and some retired and yet still serving their country by taking time to honor another veteran during his memorial service. The 21-gun salute, the folding of the flag, the playing of “Taps” – touched many of us.
As the guns were being shot, I thought of our military men and women who hear guns being shot everyday. And how the loud noise made by heart jump, and that these guns weren't aimed at me or anyone else; yet our military do have guns aimed at them. We need to be very thankful for our active military and also for our retired military.
Seeing the honor guard made me proud of them and also proud for them.
Claire Grieve lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Dave Gebhard
I believe in our institutions as the fairest and most beneficial form of government. Regretfully, individuals, after a long time in power, feel a sense of entitlement, a sense of us versus the people.
The Dinius case cast a pallor over Lake County, and made us seem like a “good ole boys” club. We rely on tourism and retirees to fuel our economic system, and just the hint of scandal could slow the constant renewal of both, which are desperately necessary to keep our standard of living.
This was more than a hint, in fact, aspersions were cast on our local justice system when our district attorney and sheriff both embarrassed our county by appearing to have tried to cover up a wrong doing. Perhaps this is a matter of perception, but in their positions of authority, that is enough.
That is why I support Don Anderson for district attorney, and Francisco Rivero for sheriff. We need to clean house and show that we are not run by an entrenched clique, or a rural backwater.
Term limits were set up for a reason, to keep government from being for the governors, not for the people.
Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Herb Gura
Candidates for Lake County elected office get a quick education about campaign signs. For a few dollars a sign, these have been shown to be an effective way to get the name of one’s favorite candidate out to the public.
Although a multitude of campaign signs can be a temporary eyesore, they are part of the trade off of living in a free speech society with an electoral process.
There are unfortunately some negatives that the public and the candidates themselves have to put up with.
Some signs are placed without permission: on vacant lots, public property, even at the homes and businesses which have not asked for them.
People tamper with or remove signs of candidates they don’t support.
Signs sometimes are left in place long after the election.
Every candidate must sign documents acknowledging their responsibilities regarding campaign signs but not every candidate seems to take these responsibilities seriously.
As one of those whose signs you will be seeing between now and the November election, I want to promise the following to the public and invite all other candidates to do the same:
My signs will either be homemade or printed by local businesses.
The materials I use for mounting my signs will be recycled or reused.
I will get express permission from the appropriate person before placing any signs.
I will not place my signs on public right of ways, vacant lots, or other unpermitted areas.
I will not disturb the signs of any other candidate.
All my signs will be removed within three days or less after the Nov. 2 election.
Best of luck to all candidates for a free and fair election.
Herb Gura lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.