I recently took a break from writing articles, and instead worked on improving past articles for inclusion in my forthcoming book--In The Clear: A Worldview In Essays. I expect this book to be very attractive, readable, fun, and thought provoking; it should be out next spring or early summer.
         I’ve missed writing articles. While sometimes difficult, writing is deeply satisfying for me. Editing my previous work, I’ve happily noticed steady improvement. Earlier articles took more work to fix, but now they’re all honed to my current skill level.
         I’m grateful to Jack Durham of the McKinleyville Press for his consistent encouragement and especially for the freedom to explore any topic--a rare luxury for writers today. As a result, my book will cover subjects as diverse as the amazing life cycle of bumblebees, the World Trade Organization, personal finance and frugality, lucid dreaming, nutrition, agriculture, medical insurance, hospice care, listening skills, industrial hemp, Mad Cow Disease, technology, world population, local development, corporate welfare, philosophies of time and natural cycles, composting, education, prenuptial agreements, and the 70s fad of “streaking.”
        My next topic is the Blue Lake City Council. Right now, it feels like I’ve exchanged my peaceful life for a pile of strife and anxiety, and I’m not even on the council yet (I’m slated to be sworn in on November 14). But I remain hopeful it will ultimately prove very worth the effort.
         I started attending council meetings 5 months ago, wanting to monitor the city’s response to the Blue Lake Rancheria’s plan to build an Indian casino on its land just outside the city limits. The rancheria had applied to the city for water and sewer services and awaited an answer; their backup plan involved an on-site well and septic system. Though at first I hated the idea of a 44,000 square foot casino with almost 500 parking spaces, I became convinced that the casino would be built regardless, and that the town would be far better served and have much more influence over current and potential future developments near its borders if we have an ongoing working relationship with the rancheria--rather than an ongoing battle.
         I’ve been impressed with the rancheria’s thoroughness in planning the project, with the high caliber of people they’ve hired, and with their desire to work with the city despite past and current frustrations. In difficult meetings on October 24 and November 1, the city council finally voted on the matter, narrowly approving services to the casino as a water and sewer customer. One paragraph of the detailed agreement states that “Tribe and City agree to consult and cooperate with each other in land use planning and economic development decisions in the greater Blue Lake/Glendale area.” That makes good sense to me.
         While I was observing council deliberations on the casino along with many other city issues last summer, the filing period for the November election was announced. I decided to run for the council because I love the town and thought I could contribute something helpful. My wife Laura and I are homeowners and plan to live the rest of our lives in Blue Lake, and I felt ready to invest some extra energy into this place. I also figured it would be fascinating and that I’d learn a lot about life and people. If elected, I figured I’d just do my best, study the issues, talk to people around town, say what I think, and let the chips fall where they may. I’ve already found that’s more easily said than done.
         There were 3 open seats. Two incumbents filed for reelection, while one was stepping down after 12 years. I was the only other person who filed, so there were 3 candidates for 3 seats. The council then voted to save city election costs (payable to the county) by appointing the 3 positions.
         I’ve been reading all the background information (they’re public documents) provided to council members in their “packets” before each meeting. I’ve listened carefully, but have also spoken up on the casino and other issues. I’ve realized that no matter what happens, some people are going to be angry at me. If I do this, these people will be mad; if I do that, those people will be. If I do nothing, everyone may be mad. This isn’t a comfortable position for me; I usually get along with most everyone. For the council though, I need to develop a thicker skin. I asked a good friend of mine how to do this; he’s a biotech business executive in San Diego who has faced many difficult personnel issues. Carlos told me there’s only one way to a thick skin--scarring. Oh well. I’ve already fielded my first hostile personal insult; maybe that’s a good start.
         Judy Hodgson of the North Coast Journal recently wrote that “if we don’t treat those who choose to run for public office with more respect (they are not all scoundrels), then we get what we deserve--those few souls who agree to put up with such abuse.”
         I completely agree. I’m not now a scoundrel, and can hardly imagine becoming one. Going into battle on an issue will always be my last resort, but I suppose I may have to sometimes. I don’t relish the idea; I’m not a person who thrives on conflict. In addition to hopefully contributing something positive to the town, being on the council may stimulate a lot of personal growth in me--handling such things without losing sleep will show a great increase in personal strength.
         In many areas of life, we air negatives much more readily than positives. As long as you’re doing a great job, you hear little from the boss--but make a mistake and you really catch hell. We need to build each other up more than tear each other down. Life will be better that way. If you see public officials doing something you like, let them know! I’m sure it will mean a lot.
 

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