Blue Lake's Schapiro seeks 4th term By Matt Kapko Eye Correspondent The Arcata Eye 08-12-2002 Ongoing changes taking hold in Blue Lake have stirred City Councilmember Sherman Schapiro to run for re-election this coming November. With so many issues coming before the council, Schapiro wants to remain active in city affairs and see its works in progress come to fruition. Schapiro, a tax accountant, is now serving the remainder of his third consecutive term on the City Council. Making his home in Blue Lake for the past 20 years, he was first elected in 1990, appointed in 1994 and re-elected in 1998. One of Schapiro’s goals is to follow through with issues that have fallen through the cracks. The downtown area still needs support to get more businesses down there, he said. He thinks it’s a matter of trying to be responsive to the community and avoid wasting time. “I hope we can maintain a council that can fulfill the desires of the residents,” he added. Improve relations with casino Schapiro is very concerned with the city’s government-to-government relationship with the Blue Lake Rancheria and its new casino. “We realized they have a right to do this,” he said thinking back to when Tribal Vice Chairperson Arla Ramsey first introduced the casino proposal to the council. “We need to develop a working relationship and obviously we haven’t done that.” He insists the city doesn’t want control over the casino’s plans but to at least be included. Believing half of the residents agree, Schapiro said “I think it’s good for the community to have a casino.” Schapiro is also in favor of the casino for its enhancements to the local economy and its water and sewer service agreement with the city. Jobs are a major concern to Schapiro and he hopes the casino bringing more visitors to town will have a positive affect on local businesses. Ricca/Rigge Schapiro acknowledged the continuing drain on council time and energy by Councilmember Alex Ricca’s ongoing, thoroughly disproven accusations of embezzlement against City Manager Cuane Rigge. “Having Alex on the council has been difficult,” Schapiro said. “It’s disruptive when he attacks the city manager and city manager form of government.” Levee access Schapiro called the issue of citizen access to the Mad River Levve, which is disputed by rancher Manuel Morais, “a difficult one,” since the levee lies outside Blue Lake city limits. Still, he said, “I support the access and the council supports it as well.” Annie & Mary Trail Schapiro also supports creation of the Annie & Mary Trail between Arcata and Blue Lake. “I think it would be beneficial for the folks who like to exercise,” he said. “Anything that promotes exercise and tourism is a good thing.” Maintain desirable city Schapiro wants Blue Lake to remain being a city that people wish to be in and enjoy the surrounding rivers and trails. On Annie and Mary Day he was delighted to receive compliments from out-of-town parents who were pleased with the new playground equipment and planned to bring their children to Blue Lake more often. Schapiro is also supportive of the public transit project and hopes for a sufficient schedule. “I’m hoping that we will get enough support from the community. It’s always good if more people get involved.” A councilmember’s role is to be representative of the residents, Shapiro said. “I try to be responsive and keep up with the issues.” Schapiro insists he doesn’t have an agenda that should be feared and he avoids unilateral decisions. While he has served three consecutive terms, Schapiro doesn’t think that should affect someone’s support for him in the coming election. “The longevity does not hinder my ability to be a good council person,” he said. Schapiro is a registered democrat but added, “I believe party politics have nothing to do with city politics.” Home