Blue Lake forum clarifies candidates' positions By Matt Kapko Eye Correspondent The Arcata Eye 10-22-2002 With Nov. 5 fast approaching, the race for two open seats on the Blue Lake City Council is winding down to its final weeks. The elements for an informed vote were made available to the public when the five candidates met to debate at the Mad River Grange last Wednesday night. The League of Women Voters mediated the event and passed out three-by-five cards to the audience – giving them opportunity to scribble their most pressing and thought-provoking questions for the candidates. The first opening statement came from Jean Lynch, a full-charge bookkeeper who has lived in Blue Lake for most of her life. She described Blue Lake as a “bedroom community that shops elsewhere,” has few retail businesses and little to no growth. She hopes to re-hydrate the economic drought Blue Lake suffers from, revitalize the industrial park and assist with disaster planning and training. Alex Ricca, an incumbent currently serving the remainder of his four-year term on the City Council, said “Blue Lake is governed best when Blue Lakers govern Blue Lake.” He wants to strip City Manager Duane Rigge of his control over many issues. He claims Rigge is responsible for many of the city’s problems, including a 63-percent increase in sewer fees and not maintaining four full-time police officers. His goals include annexation and focusing on who governs Blue Lake, namely referring to his opposition to a city manager form of government. Chris Woody, a security officer at the Blue Lake Casino and a 20-year resident of Blue Lake, said he is very concerned with the direction the city is heading. “People want to see change,” he said, “I want to do what the citizens of this town want.” His goals include a more lenient permit process for new businesses and better cooperation with the Blue Lake Rancheria, recognizing its status as a government. Sherman Schapiro is currently serving the remainder of his third consecutive term on council. He’s made his home in Blue Lake for the past 20 years, now working as a tax consultant. He is known for asking questions because of a desire to fully understand the issues and explain his decisions to his constituents. He takes pride in having helped negotiate the water/service contract with the Rancheria and said he tries to listen to the community. His goals include a revitalization of downtown and the industrial park and improving the city’s relationship with the Rancheria through citizen-based action committees. Marlene Smith, a licensed acupuncturist who has lived in Blue Lake for five years, held back tears as she poured out, “I love this town.” She immediately fell in love with the small community after relocating from Oakland and said she thrives on seeing how much difference one person can make in this city. Her goals include annexation and support for a downtown revitalization. Annexation The first question on the floor queried whether the candidates supported the possible annexation of five areas outside present city limits. Lynch said she is most concerned with how it would affect people with fixed income and wondered if the current water/sewer system had the capacity to supply new annexed lands. Ricca wants to see the annexation question go to a vote. He wants the water/sewer service to only supply the city and make rural development more difficult. Smith said she wants annexation because it would not raise property taxes and it could help provide for more low-income property. Woody wants the people living in the annexation zones to decide first, followed by a voter decision. Schapiro is in favor of annexation and hopes to discuss issues with the planning commission and residents. City manager form of government Blue Lake’s city manager form of government has been the source of incessant scrutiny by Ricca, who alleges, despite audits to the contrary, that Rigge has embezzled city funds. While none of the other four candidates addressed the issue, each tried to explain why they support the city manager. Woody called for citizens to make their opinions heard if they oppose the city manager form of government. In his research he found that only two percent of cities in California do not have a city manager. Schapiro is in favor of the current form of government in Blue Lake. He cites professional leadership as a major advantage the city manager brings to the city. If a major protest against Rigge occurred, Schapiro said he would reconsider. Lynch is in favor of the current system. The council alone doesn’t have the ability to sufficiently sustain the city’s needs, said Smith, and the council should give the manager clear recommendations to follow. “I think the city of Blue Lake is a business and needs to be run like a business,” she added. Ricca, a longstanding opponent of Rigge and his control over many departments as city manager, said the $60,000 annual-salary position is not cost effective and opposes the council’s desire to keep him in power. Ricca further alleged the manager has failed to provide the fiscal budget for six months and maintains his position as absolute opposition to Rigge. Annie & Mary Rail-Trail The enduring support for building a trail on the defunct Annie and Mary rail line from Arcata through Blue Lake also made its way to the debate. A public forum was held last month to better inform the community of the project and address their concerns. Each candidate was given the chance to offer their support or qualms about the project. Schapiro said he is in favor of the trail, as it would promote tourism and exercise. Property rights are of major concern to him and he reminded the decision is not the city’s. Ricca said any public access free of vehicles is an enhancement to the way of life in Blue Lake. He recognizes the property-owners concerns, but thinks the issues should be mitigated. Lynch, on the other hand, was reserved to offer support for the trail. The potential for injury on the trail and private property issues are a major concern, she said. She maintains she is not anti-trail but supports private-property rights. Woody said the concept of the trail is good, but property rights must be upheld. He hopes the city can find funding from grants or other sources -- unless the citizens want to help pay for the project. Smith agrees the trail is a good idea, serving as an alternative mode of transportation. The trail would not be on privately owned land, she said, those properties are adjacent to the rail line. Rancheria relations Each candidate proposed methods to strengthening the city’s relationship with the Rancheria – some voiced concerns. Ricca said there are problems with the casino, not the Rancheria, and they need to be better tended. Lynch would like to see the respective governing councils work together and maintain communication. She doesn’t consider it to be a large problem. Schapiro said there is cooperation now. He envisions maintaining a healthy relationship through citizens-based groups. Smith said the relationship between the two bodies has become a serious problem and offered for example: only one of the five city councilmembers ever went down to the Rancheria to discuss casino issues with the Tribe. She wants a liaison to be established between the two governments to keep communication open. Woody said that his position at the casino would be beneficial to developing a working relationship between the casino and the city. He also called for citizen committees to address problems when they arise. War-free Blue Lake? When asked if they would support making Blue Lake a war-free zone, some revealed personal despise for war while others questioned if the City Council should be taking on such measures. Smith said her personal politics are not relevant, but would be in favor of making Blue Lake a war-free zone. Woody said it is not necessary and asked, “What is the purpose? No industry here supports the war.” Ricca said it would only be symbolic and does not see the efficacy of symbolic gestures, but he would support such a move. Lynch said it was silly to think about, claiming more urgent issues were at hand. Schapiro said he doesn’t agree with the city taking on national issues, reminding the audience that the United Nations is in New York City, not Arcata (making reference to the just-passed proclamation opposing a U.S. first strike against Iraq by the Arcata City Council). Platforms Lynch said she hopes for more baseball games, Christmas caroling, and making Blue Lake a relaxed and fun place to be. Ricca said he wants the council to regain control of budgetary and financial affairs and power to hire and fire police officers. “This is the most humane place to live in this day and age and I don’t want to lose that,” he said. He hopes dogs continue sleeping in the middle of streets holding up traffic, reminding him of just how peaceable this hamlet in the redwoods truly is. Schapiro said he wants to keep the streets safe for everyone and urged people to take a larger role in the community. “We need to get people involved. If you come to our City Council meetings, you may find you are the only one there,” he said. Smith echoed Schapiro’s calls for more community involvement and wants a beautification of the city. She said she is willing to express her opinions wholeheartedly and wants progress for the city. Woody said he wants to see a change in Blue Lake’s leadership and will maintain the small-town atmosphere of life which Blue Lake provides. Home