James Reed is seeking a seat on the Clearlake City Council this year. Courtesy photo.

James M. Reed

Age: 49

Experience in government and community service: Little League umpire/assistant football coach.

1. Explain what you believe a city council member's responsibilities are. How would you fulfill these? What qualifications do you possess that make you a good candidate for office?

A) One of the council's main duties is the enactment of the city's annual budget. Council sets fiscal policies and approves all spending, whether for operations (e.g., salaries) or capital items such as major equipment purchases, street repairs or other public improvements. Council members will often propose new programs at the suggestion of city residents.

Council members also respond annually to thousands of constituent requests, filling a crucial oversight role in the delivery of basic city services to the public.

(Taken from council duties of Rochester, NY.)

B) My goal is to sit down with our city's administrator and be able to prioritize the various needs that is a major concern to our constituency.

C) My ability to articulate and to speak concisely to the needs of my community. With my managerial skills, I believe I would be able to negotiate deals which could make our city more prosperous.

2. Explain how your management style would be applied to your position as council member. Are you hands-on or do you set policy and delegate?

My managerial style allows me to look at each situation separately and judge accordingly.

3. Large developments are proposed for Clearlake and surrounding areas, particularly the Provinsalia development near Cache Creek, the Serenity Cove project on the lakeshore and increased commercial development along Highway 53. What is your opinion on these various projects? Are they good for Clearlake? Why or why not? Are there any other developments that you think are either good or bad for the city?

With our present economy in the current disarray, I feel that both projects would help us immensely in obtaining certain growth. But through my research, I have discovered that one of the projects may be on hold for at least the next two and a half years depending upon the financial turnaround of our economic status both here and nationally. Right now, I believe projects, such as "big box stores," would have an immediate impact that could bring in quick revenue to help establish revitalization of our city.

4. For several years the Clearlake Police Department's budget has been augmented by the Measure P sales tax approved by voters. Do you support continuing to augment the police department budget? Are there different approaches that you, as a council member, would take when addressing the police department?

If it's a way to improve our city's infrastructure ...Yes!

5. The city's redevelopment plan has two years remaining in its implementation. Updating the plan is being proposed to extend it for another 10 years. Do you support extending redevelopment in Clearlake? Why or why not?

I support Larry the cable guy ... "GIT ER DUN.” I believe that if there has been a plan that was implemented and has been approved, why prolong something that would grow our community, increase integrity and boost morale?

6. In September of 2007, the Clearlake Vision Task Force presented to the council a 60-page report that lays out a vision for the city, from improved infrastructure and public facilities to ways to build the economic base and create a sustainable city. What is your opinion on the value of the report? Do you think its ideas can be achieved? What would you as a council member do to carry the vision forward?

I found the report to be very informative with a lot of foresight. It seems that the task force's vision correlates with what I had in mind for redevelopment with special emphasis placed upon having a scenic drive down Lakeshore Boulevard.

Look for funds in order to make the redevelopment of this project happen.

7. Some issues that come before the council can be extremely divisive, both among council members and city residents. How would you address clashing opinions when approaching a decision? What experience do you have in working with others when there are no easy answers but a decision has to be made?

A) I would cast my vote accordingly for the betterment of the community rather than for myself or others as politicians; I work for the people.

B) There are never easy answers ... there is always a decision to be made. I make my decisions according to the situation.

8. If elected, is there any project or issue you plan to tackle first?

Street improvements (sidewalks and new streets).

9. Public safety is an important issue in Clearlake. How would you as a council member seek to improve safety and reduce crime in the city's neighborhoods?

It seems that most crimes here are of a domestic nature. Having said that, I would seek to increase awareness and support to individuals that are involved in battered situations.

10. When you think of Clearlake's future, what do you want the city to look like in 10, 20 and 30 years?

I would like to have the appearance of prosperity; to have the morale of the people uplifted and our surroundings the become beautified by way of city and community efforts. Ten, 20 or 30 years has to begin with now.

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