On Nov. 5, I am seeking reelection to the Lakeport City Council.

As I near the completion of my first term, I hope the dedication and hard work I’ve put into representing Lakeport over the past four years have been evident.

Serving as a councilmember has been a privilege. It is a challenging position, requiring countless hours of listening to residents, researching key issues and preparing for council meetings.

Beyond that, it involves representing Lakeport on various boards and committees, attending special events, and ensuring that citizen concerns are not only heard but addressed.

This year, I had the honor of serving as mayor. It has been a rewarding experience that deepened my connection to both the city staff and our community. In this role, I’ve worked closely with constituents to tackle critical issues and continue the progress toward making Lakeport an even better place to live, work, and do business.

However, there is still much more to do.

One of my top priorities is revitalizing our city’s appearance. To achieve this, I’ve proposed adding a new code enforcement officer position that will be focused on cleaning up areas of blight throughout Lakeport. My vision is to ensure that the buildings along our busiest streets are well-maintained and aesthetically appealing, with fresh paint and colors that reflect a thriving, prosperous community.

Enhancing the look and feel of our city will not only boost civic pride but also attract more visitors and business opportunities. It’s clear that no amount of advertising dollars can improve our economic prospects if we don’t first invest in beautifying Lakeport. We need to update our city’s entrances, and ensure that visitors are greeted by a clean, welcoming environment that says, "We’re open for business."

When people visit Lakeport, we want them to leave excited to return. Our hospitality sector plays a vital role in this, and I believe our lodging partners need support in upgrading their offerings. I have a plan to encourage them to enhance their accommodations to better reflect the beauty and charm of our city.

You may have noticed my campaign signs around town alongside those of Kim Costa. Kim was appointed to the city council two years ago, following the resignation of a previous member, and has proven to be a tireless advocate for Lakeport. Her passion for increasing housing options in the city aligns well with my vision for its future, and I’m proud to be running for reelection alongside her.

As we approach Election Day, I urge voters to focus on experience, dedication and the proven ability to get things done. In city government, where partisan politics can lead to unnecessary division, it’s crucial to elect leaders who are committed to serving the community’s best interests and who have a track record for doing so.

Please vote for the candidates who have the vision and commitment to continue moving Lakeport forward. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city.

Michael Froio is completing his first term on the City Council for Lakeport, California.