Current Lakeport Planning Commissioner Marc Spillman is hoping to advance to the Lakeport City Council this November.

Marc Chalon Spillman

Age: 45

Family: I have lived in the City of Lakeport for 11 years, with my wife Karen and our two sons Casey and Alex. Our sons graduated Clear Lake High School and have continued on to higher education. My wife and I have been married for 24 years. I have worked for Piedmont's truss division (in Calpella) for

17 years. Karen is the department head of the nursery at Piedmont's Lakeport store.

Experience and community involvement: I am serving in my second four-year term as a Lakeport Planning Commissioner. I sat as the chairman of the Lakeport General Plan Advisory Committee. I have certification in ethics training, per State law AB1234. I am a member of the Early Lake Lions. I am serving in my second year as treasurer of that club.

Endorsements: I did receive the individual endorsement of Mayor Bruns. I will not compete for, nor accept any group or organizational endorsements. I am not accepting donations.

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?

It is a council member’s responsibility to represent not only the people who elect them, but all citizens in the City of Lakeport. Meeting with citizens and listening to their needs and concerns is key to being a good council member. Council members need to understand each issue before them and not just how it will affect Lakeport today, but how it will affect the city years from now. I possess the above qualities.

2. There are several large development projects inside and outside of Lakeport that are being discussed. They include Cristallago, a golf course and subdivision on the city's sewer property, a potential marina and commercial development on the Dutch Harbor property, and a proposal to build a large hotel within the city limits. What is your opinion on these various projects? Are they good for Lakeport? Why or why not?

Development: Having the city define what it wants to accomplish (based on up-front citizen input) should be the first step of any major project. After that input a specific plan can follow. The city and the public must be on the same page so to not create confusion for developers and business owners. In critical project locations, such as Dutch Harbor, I would recommend a citizen’s committee be formed to work with council and redevelopment.

3. 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 management style is a combination of hands on plus delegate. There is a need to micro-manage sometimes – but that should not be run into the ground. The city is staffed with competent professionals that do not need constant babysitting. The city staff does need to understand that with a tight budget comes questions and review. The city staff must be patient with that process.

4. While the city of Lakeport may use eminent domain, the Redevelopment Agency currently does not have eminent domain authority as a tool for acquiring property. However, earlier this year it was proposed that the Redevelopment Agency amend its plan to include eminent domain, and that discussion is expected to be continued after the election. How do you feel about the use of eminent domain? Should the city's plan be modified to add that power?

I have yet to see why the Redevelopment District needs eminent domain. Eminent domain should not be used to increase the tax base.

5. Do you feel the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and on the right projects?

Redevelopment: Again with the citizen input at the beginning of the process. I think Lakeport needs to expect the best for itself. We don’t want to do (re)development simply for (re)development sake. Citizen committees can help guide redevelopment and help keep areas like Natural High in the public hands.

6. The city is dealing with a tight budget this year, and could be facing similar issues in the coming budget year as well. How would you propose meeting the city's budget challenges while protecting city services? Are there any areas of spending that you believe should be reconsidered, or any potential revenue streams that should be pursued?

Budget: Lakeport can not outspend revenues by half a million dollars annually. I support looking at benefit packages. I support dropping travel and training expenditures in the next year or two. I would support robbing redevelopment funds, if it is possible, to get through the next few years.

7. Measure I, which generates revenue from sales tax for city projects such as roads, was instituted in 2004. Do you believe Measure I funds are being spent properly? Are there any projects that you believe are particularly appropriate or inappropriate for the funds?

Measure “I” funds should not be used to balance the city budget. Council member Irwin brought up the need to proceed on specific road projects today – for the funds we have now – so that they can start those project early this next year. I support that. A Road Advisory Committee would aid in helping to prioritize projects.

8. Some citizens have said they want to see more transparency in city government. As a council member, how would you address that concern? What does transparency in government mean to you?

Transparency of city government requires four things in Lakeport. First – no backdoor meetings. Second – no discussions outside the ears of the microphones during meeting. Third – a top of the line Web site to easily locate and download all public information available. Fourth – televised meeting to help offset the light citizen turnout. The first two are just good politics and common courtesy and cost the city nothing. The second two are money well spent when affordable to the budget.

9. Over the past year the city has established a long-range business plan for the city. Do you believe this plan includes relevant projects and ideas for the city's future? What is your vision for the city of Lakeport over the next 20 years?

I helped to update the 20 year General Plan and I feel it is solid. That plan only lays out city goals – land uses, etc. Lakeport needs to use the community to find out where to take the city. Do we want cookie-cutter chain stores and fast food in our main downtown? Again ... we need to expect the best for Lakeport. We have a great downtown. We need to utilize and protect the lake for both economic and recreational uses. We need to protect and enhance the natural open spaces adjacent to the lake.

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

If elected I will first start and sit on a Road Advisory Committee. I will hold county and private contracts accountable. I will look at every available option to balance the city budget. I will listen. I will understand that my decisions have great consequences for Lakeport’s future.

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George Spurr is one of four challengers seeking a Lakeport City Council seat this fall.

George Spurr

Age: 56

Family: Married 34 years with no children.

Experience and community involvement: New to politics, have supported charity work with adoption centers, veterans, abused mothers and children agencies.

Endorsements: Friends and family.

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?

• To help guide the city into the future.

• To examine facts to determine the outcome of disputes and variances from normal procedures and processes.

• To listen to the citizens and use their input as part of the decision making process.

In my current profession I use logic and common sense to complete complex tasks to the benefit of all parties. As a councilman I would use those tools plus the morality of the citizens to solve issues.

2. There are several large development projects inside and outside of Lakeport that are being discussed. They include Cristallago, a golf course and subdivision on the city's sewer property, a potential marina and commercial development on the Dutch Harbor property, and a proposal to build a large hotel within the city limits. What is your opinion on these various projects? Are they good for Lakeport? Why or why not?

The development projects have already legally been contracted for the golf course and Dutch Harbor, therefore as a new council member I would have to follow the contracts that have been previously signed by the prior administration. Lakeport is a tourist city which needs to draw tourist dollars to keep the city viable. I have other ideas that may produce income for the city in the future.

3. 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?

In my current profession I am a hands-on person that works with people to train them in skills so they can accomplish their tasks, with little input from me. I am both hands-on and I delegate with overseeing a project as needed to insure quality and completion.

4. While the city of Lakeport may use eminent domain, the Redevelopment Agency currently does not have eminent domain authority as a tool for acquiring property. However, earlier this year it was proposed that the Redevelopment Agency amend its plan to include eminent domain, and that discussion is expected to be continued after the election. How do you feel about the use of eminent domain? Should the city's plan be modified to add that power?

The Redevelopment Agency does not need eminent domain. The City Council should review individual issues and try to resolve them without eminent domain. If all else fails there may be a need for eminent domain as a very last resort.

5. Do you feel the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and on the right projects?

Yes, on most of the issues. I did not agree with one of the project's optional choice, which was to pave the alley behind City Hall.

6. The city is dealing with a tight budget this year, and could be facing similar issues in the coming budget year as well. How would you propose meeting the city's budget challenges while protecting city services? Are there any areas of spending that you believe should be reconsidered, or any potential revenue streams that should be pursued?

All potential revenue streams should be pursued as long as it does not impact the city services such as police, fire, and emergency medical. As the budget gets tighter it should be re-evaluated to keep the City in the black.

7. Measure I, which generates revenue from sales tax for city projects such as roads, was instituted in 2004. Do you believe Measure I funds are being spent properly? Are there any projects that you believe are particularly appropriate or inappropriate for the funds?

Measure I was passed by the citizens for a specific purpose and that money should be spent for that purpose alone.

8. Some citizens have said they want to see more transparency in city government. As a council member, how would you address that concern? What does transparency in government mean to you?

Transparency means to not make changes that citizens are not aware of. Government is for the citizens. I would encourage citizens to see the changes and help create the changes.

9. Over the past year the city has established a long-range business plan for the city. Do you believe this plan includes relevant projects and ideas for the city's future? What is your vision for the city of Lakeport over the next 20 years?

As long as the plan keeps on track to include improvements to the infrastructure water, sewer, roads, etc., that compensates for predicated population growth. Thus, the plan will create a better city in the future. I would like the city to remain with a small town atmosphere, and strengthen tourism with increased events. Also encouraging new businesses to fill vacant stores in the downtown area.

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

I would be one of five council members making decisions. Staying within the budget would be one of the highest priorities. I would evaluate all the projects and issues, then prioritize them to best serve the citizens and businesses of Lakeport.

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That's up to you to decide, and in order to help you, Lake County News is publishing in-depth questionnaires filled out by the six Lakeport City Council candidates – Ginger Ingersoll, Suzanne Lyons, Roy Parmentier, Bob Rumfelt, Marc Spillman and George Spurr.

The questionnaires are the candidates' chance to tell voters, in their own words, why they want to help lead the city of Lakeport.

This is the second installment of the questionnaires; the first two candidates featured on Thursday were Ginger Ingersoll and Suzanne Lyons. Find their questionnaires at the links below.

Lakeport Council candidates' questionnaires: Ginger Ingersoll

Lakeport Council candidates' questionnaires: Suzanne Lyons

Today, it's the turn of the two incumbents, Roy Parmentier and Bob Rumfelt.

Between them the two men have nearly a quarter century of service on the Lakeport City Council.

While Parmentier and Rumfelt are seeking reelection, Mayor Buzz Bruns, whose seat also is up this year, will retire from the council at year's end after serving two terms on the council.

Find Parmentier's and Rumfelt's questionnaires here:

Lakeport Council candidates' questionnaires: Roy Parmentier

Lakeport Council candidates' questionnaires: Robert Rumfelt

Tomorrow, Marc Spillman and George Spurr will share with you their qualifications and why they should get your vote.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Councilman Roy Parmentier is seeking reelection this November.

Roy Parmentier

Age: 66

Family: Married for 36 years to wife, Diana. They have four grown children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Experience and community involvement: I have served four terms on the Lakeport City Council, acting as mayor five times, chaired the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and the Area Planning Council, and served on the Lake County Airport Land Use Commission. I was also a founding member and president of the Lake County Air Search and Rescue Squadron and the new Clear Lake Foundation. I am able to work closely with all our council members and staff to help bring the many changes that have and are happening now in our city.

Endorsements: The Lakeport Police Officer's Association and the Lakeport Fire Department Volunteers have both endorsed my candidacy for the office of City Council members.

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?

I believe a City Council member's responsibilities are to act as the legislative arm of our city government. To do that, I believe you must be aware of the workings and responsibilities of each department in our city's structure. You should also be aware of how the citizens of our city feel about ongoing projects, the day-to-day operations of the city that affect them, and do what is needed to keep the citizens informed and included in what is or isn't going on. And you should always be available for questions and answers.

These things I do on a daily basis. My home phone number and e-mail address are published on the new city Internet and I answer all messages addressed to me. I have shown solid leadership for the past 20 years. In tough times such as these, it is not the time to train your council representative to do what is needed.

2. There are several large development projects inside and outside of Lakeport that are being discussed. They include Cristallago, a golf course and subdivision on the city's sewer property, a potential marina and commercial development on the Dutch Harbor property, and a proposal to build a large hotel within the city limits. What is your opinion on these various projects? Are they good for Lakeport? Why or why not?

Cristallago will be a project, though not in the city, that will affect us greatly. We, the city, need to be part of the planning process to see that issues and impacts on city services and infrastructure are adequately addressed. This project will include increased sales and services for our merchants and added sales taxes to pay for city services.

A golf course and subdivision on our city's sewer property are only in the feasibility stage. If it should ever happen, it would be another amenity that would bring tourists into our area. The city would benefit from a percentage of the home sales in the different phases of build out. It would add thousands of dollars in property taxes for city services and would also bring online a new tertiary sewer plant which would produce clean effluent that could be used for irrigation of the golf course, our parks and landscaping in the development area. This reused water would save up to 55,000 gallons of potable water that would be saved in the aquifers around the city.

The Dutch Harbor property has been zoned commercial for as long as I can remember. If a commercial development and/or marina were to be built on this site it would add needed rooms for our tourists. Also, it would add needed property taxes, sales taxes and transit occupancy taxes which would help pay for the many city services provided to all our citizens.

3. 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?

I was always hands-on in my job, but in my time on the council I've learned that you have to work together. The changes in the city have not been accomplished by one person, but by the council, city staff and the city's residents.

4. While the city of Lakeport may use eminent domain, the Redevelopment Agency currently does not have eminent domain authority as a tool for acquiring property. However, earlier this year it was proposed that the Redevelopment Agency amend its plan to include eminent domain, and that discussion is expected to be continued after the election. How do you feel about the use of eminent domain? Should the city's plan be modified to add that power?

Eminent domain is a "tool" that should only be used in the worst situations of blight. In my opinion it would only be used to assist in the cleaning and restoration of seriously blighted areas of our city that the owners refuse to conform to city policies. Eminent domain should be incorporated into our redevelopment plan but not for use against private properties.

Both the city of Clearlake and the county of Lake have redevelopment plans with this element in it.

5. Do you feel the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and on the right projects?

Yes, I believe the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and the right projects. The definition of redevelopment is: Planning development, redesign, site preparation and improvement, reconstruction and/or rehabilitation of all or part of a project area. And that is just what the city of Lakeport is doing.

6. The city is dealing with a tight budget this year, and could be facing similar issues in the coming budget year as well. How would you propose meeting the city's budget challenges while protecting city services? Are there any areas of spending that you believe should be reconsidered, or any potential revenue streams that should be pursued?

In meeting the city's budget challenges and protecting city services, I believe constant monitoring of our budget figures and having a plan in place if adjustments need to be made. Many of our city's franchises and contracts should be reviewed and brought up to date.

7. Measure I, which generates revenue from sales tax for city projects such as roads, was instituted in 2004. Do you believe Measure I funds are being spent properly? Are there any projects that you believe are particularly appropriate or inappropriate for the funds?

I believe Measure I funds are being used as intended. The bulk of these funds should only be spent on road restoration. A tracking is in place to follow all Measure I funds. I don't believe the city should use Measure I funds to cover any general fund issues.

8. Some citizens have said they want to see more transparency in city government. As a council member, how would you address that concern? What does transparency in government mean to you?

The city has a Web site that any citizen can access to get any information needed about everything going on in our city. My home phone number and e-mail address are published on this Web site and I am available to anyone who wishes to contact me, on the phone, on the net or at City Hall. One of the candidates thinks we should drop everything and install cameras and microphones to televise our meetings. I have no problem with that but, if it means a cut in city services just to serve a few, then the TV show will have to wait until there is an improvement in our budget.

9. Over the past year the city has established a long-range business plan for the city. Do you believe this plan includes relevant projects and ideas for the city's future? What is your vision for the city of Lakeport over the next 20 years?

Our general plan is a plan for our future. It is being updated at this time. We have finished our 20-year water and sewer plans which will keep improving our infrastructure. Also we have a street maintenance plan for the restoration of our street system, and a five- to 10-year business plan to keep us on track.

Twenty years from now I envision Lakeport as both the economic and professional center of Lake County. I would like to see a new golf course, new sewer treatment plant, our roads all in good repair, and a city that is safe and healthy for all our citizens.

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

This election isn't about me, nor is it about you. It is also about our children and grandchildren.

Clearly, we are working on and making decisions on things that will, in fact, affect our children and grandchildren. How do we know how they feel about the future plans of the city? We don't.

Our children seemed to have opted out of government in general, and can we blame them, with the nasty nature of politics? However, we must get their input and involvement. Along these lines, I am going to commit to you that during the next four years I will work as diligently as I can to assure you that we get them involved in our city government.

I am proposing we seat one or two high school students at the City Council table, alongside our council members, so that they will know firsthand what is going on in our city.

They will then carry back to the student body the information that will affect their future. In turn, we will ask them to carry back to us input from their student body so there is an exchange of ideas from the students. After all, it is and will be their community.

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City Councilman Bob Rumfelt is seeking reelection this November.

Robert L. Rumfelt

Age: 66

Family: Married, four children.

Experience and community involvement: Holds an associate's degree from Santa Rosa Junior College, a bachelor's degree from California State University, Sacramento, and a master's in public administration from the University of Southern California.

First elected to the Lakeport City Council in 1996; twice mayor of Lakeport. President, Redwood Division of the League of California Cities; member for the last four years of the League of California Cities Public Safety Committee. Graduated from the League of California Cities Mayors and Council Members Basic Academy. Member of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) since 2000.

Part-time instructor at Mendocino and Yuba Colleges for 30 years; worked for the Lake County Sheriff's Office for more than 15 years and for more than five years with the Lake County Office of Education.

Member of Early Lake Lions Club for more than 20 years; past president of the Lake County Channel Cats; Clear Lake High School swim coach for eight years; volunteer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital Dickens Faire and Camp Watta Watta; morning coach for four years of the Lake County Channel Cats; volunteer pontoon boat driver for the past three years at the Heron Festival; volunteer for more than 30 years with the Lake County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Endorsements: Lake County Peace Officers Association.

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 city council member is responsible to the citizens of Lakeport for oversight on the city's health and safety. We work with staff to make sure the city will be viable in years to come and can supply the services the citizens are willing and able to pay for. We also work with citizens to determine what needs the city has and how those need might be changing. And lastly the council member is responsible for the governance of the city.

My qualifications rest with 12 years of experience in the position of City Council member, during that time the city experienced growth, viability, and is today on solid ground for further growth and stability.

2. There are several large development projects inside and outside of Lakeport that are being discussed. They include Cristallago, a golf course and subdivision on the city's sewer property, a potential marina and commercial development on the Dutch Harbor property, and a proposal to build a large hotel within the city limits. What is your opinion on these various projects? Are they good for Lakeport? Why or why not?

In today’s world for a city to have sustainability there must be growth; without growth the cities cannot keep up with cost of doing business and eventually must cut services or tax its citizens to pay for those services. All of the projects mentioned in the question represent growth and as long as they are managed and controlled they will help Lakeport maintain sustainability.

3. 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?

After having thought about this question since the candidates night I believe a City Council member's most important strength is their leadership style as we do not manage the city, we hire managers to be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city. My style of leadership is leadership by example; if I want the city employees to be friendly, I must be friendly. If I want the employees to represent the city well, I must represent the city well, and so on

4. While the city of Lakeport may use eminent domain, the Redevelopment Agency currently does not have eminent domain authority as a tool for acquiring property. However, earlier this year it was proposed that the Redevelopment Agency amend its plan to include eminent domain, and that discussion is expected to be continued after the election. How do you feel about the use of eminent domain? Should the city's plan be modified to add that power?

The city already has eminent domain as a tool, it is the Redevelopment Agency that doesn’t have eminent domain, The Redevelopment Agency has gotten along so far without it and at this time I don’t support adding eminent domain to the Redevelopment Agency tool box.

5. Do you feel the redevelopment agency's budget is being spent for the right purposes and on the right projects?

After spending many hours going over this years Redevelopment Agency budget, my answer is yes.

6. The city is dealing with a tight budget this year, and could be facing similar issues in the coming budget year as well. How would you propose meeting the city's budget challenges while protecting city services? Are there any areas of spending that you believe should be reconsidered, or any potential revenue streams that should be pursued?

Again after spending many hours going over the budgets and discussion options I feel the budget is on track and the best we could do with the information we have.

7. Measure I, which generates revenue from sales tax for city projects such as roads, was instituted in 2004. Do you believe Measure I funds are being spent properly? Are there any projects that you believe are particularly appropriate or inappropriate for the funds?

I feel measure I funds are being spent appropriately, and any general fund expenditure necessary is appropriate.

8. Some citizens have said they want to see more transparency in city government. As a council member, how would you address that concern? What does transparency in government mean to you?

Over the years we have addressed that issue in many ways, I think the people who are truly interested will come to the meetings as they always do so their views can be heard. All the council members I have known are also available to the citizens by phone, email or as they go about in the city.

9. Over the past year the city has established a long-range business plan for the city. Do you believe this plan includes relevant projects and ideas for the city's future? What is your vision for the city of Lakeport over the next 20 years?

Because I helped to develop the long range plan I support it and it represents my vision for the city over the next 20 years.

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

If re-elected I will continue to tackle the plans laid out, such as a new college, new fire station, continue road improvement, downtown revitalization and the list goes on.

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Ginger Ingersoll, Suzanne Lyons, Roy Parmentier, Bob Rumfelt, Marc Spillman and George Spurr are hoping Lakeport residents will choose them to fill the three open seats on the council.

Parmentier and Rumfelt are incumbents seeking reelection, while Mayor Buzz Bruns, whose seat also is up this year, is retiring from the council.

Lake County News asked each of the candidates to answer a questionnaire that looks at everything from Measure I monies to big projects like the proposed Cristallago development.

The questions were inspired by community members' suggestions and concerns, as well as notable council business matters over the last few years.

Over the next three days, we'll be publishing these questionnaires in their entirety in an effort to help voters become more acquainted with each candidate's ideas, experiences and strengths.

Beginning in alphabetical order, the first two questionnaires to be published will be those of Ingersoll and Lyons, the followed by Parmentier, Rumfelt, Spillman and Spurr.

Find Ingersoll's and Lyons' questionnaires here:

Lakeport Council candidates' questionnaires: Ginger Ingersoll

Lakeport Council candidates' questionnaires: Suzanne Lyons

In addition, those interested in hearing more from the candidates should tune in to the PEG Channel, TV 8, which is broadcasting a Sept. 30 candidates forum for council hopefuls from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. every night this week.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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