Dear Editor: For the last three years I have served as a member of the Mount Shasta City Council. During that time, I have worked hard to preserve the quality of life in our town, to move the city forward to position itself for the challenges of the 21st century, and most importantly, to make the tough decisions necessary to keep our city on a sound financial footing during these difficult economic times.
All of us who serve on the council, and spend the countless hours on what is essentially a volunteer job, do so because we care about our community, and our families, friends and neighbors that live here.
For those reasons, I was particularly surprised to learn that Tim Stearns, Michael Murray and I are the target of a recall drive by some members of our community. Although none of the signatories on the recall petition have ever spoken to me personally about their concerns, and the language on their petition does not really explain the reasons for their actions, I certainly recognize their right to do what they are doing. However, recall movements are notoriously divisive and disruptive, not to mention expensive, since it will probably cost the city many thousands of dollars to hold the special election that a recall would require.
The timing of the recall petition is especially puzzling to me, since Tim and I are in the last months of our current term, and the voters of Mount Shasta will have the opportunity to fill our two seats on the council with whomever they please in November of this year.
During my time on the council I have helped lead the city’s effort to create a bicycle and pedestrian master plan, and to find funding to implement that plan. I have been instrumental in moving the city towards purchasing hybrid vehicles for its fleet, and reducing its carbon footprint. Our council has updated the city’s general plan and housing element, along with the city’s zoning code, and I have worked to incorporate progressive planning policies in all of those documents. I have been vocal in pushing the city to apply for grant funds for energy efficiency projects, and to look for ways to bring more green technology businesses to our city.
Tim, Michael and I have been the most outspoken members of the council on the issues of promoting economic development in Mount Shasta, and of creating affordable housing opportunities.
In short, I am proud of my record and my accomplishments, along with those of my fellow council members, especially given the fiscal challenges that local governments in California face today. I look forward to spending the remainder of my turn continuing this work.
Sandra Spelliscy is a member of the Mount Shasta City Council
