Opinion
The city of Clearlake got sued because they thought they could cut some big corners on their attempt to turn the old airport into a new shopping center, and figured that no one would care enough to take them to court over it. Any other project that required that much earth moving, grading and re-compaction would require that an environmental impact report (EIR) be done and the city knew that, but gave itself a free pass on it anyway. It wasn't the cost or time involved that made an EIR so unappealing for the city, it was the fact that they would finally have to address the economic impacts of the project, including those outside the city limits – maybe they didn't want to explain how they planned to mitigate the closure of several local hardware stores!
Very few people here realize exactly what the Sierra Club's biggest impact on development is, since they only hear about the large, controversial projects. Probably 95 percent of their effort goes into improving projects rather than stopping them, and this frequently saves tax money and prevents lawsuits by making sure things are done right the first time. A good example is when not long ago the city of Lakeport was going to approve a plan to put a 100 foot tall plastic pine tree next to the courthouse to use as a cell phone tower, the Sierra Club stepped in and got them to co-locate the antennas on the roof of the courthouse where they have far less visual impact and will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue for the county. This is why they are respected by the people in the Community Development department, Sierra Club oversight and involvement means better quality projects and fewer mistakes – which is good for everyone.
It's pretty simple: don't break the law and you won't get sued!
Philip Murphy lives in Finley.
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- Written by: Philip Murphy
As a retired teacher with 25 years of experience in education in Lake County, here's what I'm looking for in a candidate for Lake County superintendent of schools.
First of all, I expect my candidate to have knowledge of current educational issues as they pertain to budget, personnel, teaching strategies, curriculum, law and leadership. Education has become an incredibly complex system which, unfortunately, often defies logic and reason. An idea which seems feasible from a business point of view is oftentimes not allowed due to state and federal laws, Education Code, and/or employee contracts. Our county educational leader needs to be aware of today's best practices and be willing to abide by all the laws which govern education today.
Secondly, my candidate should have current and detailed knowledge of each of the seven school districts in the county. Each district has its own special concerns, strengths and weaknesses. An effective county superintendent would already have relationships with people in each district and would work to build upon those relationships. I expect our new leader to continue to help us collaborate across districts to cut costs and make our efforts more effective.
Last, but not least of all, I want our county leader to commit to continue the programs and supports that have been put in place in the last 15 years: Healthy Start, county pre-schools, the College Going Initiative, enhanced technical/vocational programs and the expansion of the truancy reduction program. These programs have made a world of difference to Lake County teachers, students, and their families. Many of these programs would not have been possible without the grant writing efforts of Lake County Office of Education staff.
I was a teacher at Burns Valley School when Judy Luchsinger was superintendent 16 years ago. The service and support to my school and my district was negligible. It was as if the south county just did not exist. I do not buy her argument that business experience is directly applicable to education. While I agree that we all need to be fiscally responsible and accountable, there are many more differences than similarities.
Wally Holbrook has my vote for Lake County superintendent of schools. He has ample and varied experience as a shop teacher, principal, district superintendent, and most recently, as a leadership coach. He is well aware of the challenges our districts face as he has worked closely with Lake County principals and superintendents to help them be more effective leaders. He has vowed to review all county programs, keeping those which are the most important and eliminating or revising those which are not. Wally Holbrook fits my criteria for a candidate and has my vote. I hope on June 8, he will have yours, too.
Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake.
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- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
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