Letters to the Editor 10-29-15

Don’t get in the way
Editor: I was disheartened by the quotes from some of our city council members in an article regarding the Alexander Valley Resort project proposed by Laulima Development.
Some of our city council members find it difficult to support a project that could have far-reaching benefits to our community and become a catalyst for future projects that will put us on the path for Cloverdale’s future prosperity.
The benefits to Cloverdale include a substantial increase in TOT (transitory occupancy taxes) estimated at, or above $1 million annually, that would go to the city’s general fund. The project would increase tourism to the area and downtown Cloverdale, thus increasing sales taxes. It would create project construction jobs, but also many hospitality-related jobs and equestrian related jobs. In addition, more jobs will be created by new homeowners who need landscaping, hardware and other local services.
An advantage of a resort project is that it draws regionally and nationally for its success, rather than other types of business whose success is often predicated on the health of just the local economy. It will tap the tourism trade already coming to the Sonoma, Healdsburg and Napa regions for beautiful places to vacation and enjoy wine tasting among many other activities.
This is why we elect city council persons — to support and promote what is in the best interest, economic and otherwise, of the residents and those living near the Cloverdale city limits, many of whom are very active in our community – to our benefit.
I view the members of our city council as our agents to act on our behalf for business development and expansion for the entire city of Cloverdale, not just the downtown area. The city council should be willing to both support and fight for the economic health of this community, just like they have fought for and won the recent utility excise tax to support the city budget. This financial support comes from all of us as utility payers.
Instead of burdening Cloverdale residents with additional taxes, the resort will offer an alternative source of revenue for the city. If the city can fight for improved economic health through our payment of additional taxes, they should certainly be willing to fight and support the business development and positive financial benefits that will result from this project. They can and they should.
The financial benefits can be substantial; an improved general fund can support our schools, our infrastructure and our nonprofits that do so much for our community, including the CPAC, the History Center and the cemetery. There are innumerable projects that the city at present is unable to financially support. An expanded Alexander Valley Medical Clinic, as well as existing and new businesses in whatever form that might take. In addition there can be a stimulated market for development of new housing. All of these things and more stand to be aided by this projects completion. We need more council members with the necessary economic vision and a willingness to fight for a better, more prosperous future for Cloverdale.
There is an old saying: “You can lead, or you can follow, but please, please, please do not get in the way” …of Cloverdale’s potential for a more prosperous future.
Marshall Kelly
Cloverdale
Caution in fire country
Editor: Reading an article in the recent “Bay Nature” magazine on the recovery from the 2013 wildfire at Mount Diablo, I was reminded that the fire was started by a spark from a gun, which ignited a pine tree. Since hunting for deer, pigs, turkey, etc. is carried out throughout a good portion of the year in our area, perhaps a reminder of this possible danger is timely.
Be extra careful when shooting, and perhaps carry a small portable fire extinguisher with you when hiking. A larger fire extinguisher in your vehicle may be of some help as well. Of course, carry a cell phone to call for help in areas where cell service is available. Remember that chainsaws and other types of equipment can also cause sparks; be extra cautious particularly with our extremely dry vegetation.
Reny Parker
Cloverdale
Read before you complain
Editor: By now, many of us have received our property tax bill. I would urge everyone to read the statement on the back of the envelope. Simply stated, it says there are some things associated with farming/agriculture that you may not like. That should be considered before moving here. The same could be said about the Cloverdale Airport.
Ron Cooper
Cloverdale
Wonderful athletes
Editor: To all those who complained to the police about the noise at the Red Bull event, you should have gone over to see the festivities. It was unforgettable; the wing suits, the huge helicopters and those wonderful young athletes and daredevils who participated. If I was younger and had more courage, I would have been with them.
Eileen West
Cloverdale
Invitation to bikers?
Editor: Recently I wrote concerning the fact that less than .01 percent of Cloverdale’s residents benefited from the continuing tax subsidies used to keep our airport functioning. Well, thanks to the recent three-day morning ‘till evening onslaught of helicopters throbbing over our city I think it is safe to say that all the rest of us were also able to “benefit” from the presence of the airport.
In the Aug. 8 edition of the Santa Rosa paper, our city officials were quoted to the effect that they were in favor of anything that comes to Cloverdale and brings revenue to our motels and restaurants. If our officials believe that the relatively modest sum received from the Red Bull organization was worth three days of constant irritation to us, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they extended an invitation to biker gangs to start holding their get-togethers here, just like Sturgis, South Dakota.
Dennis Frehe
Cloverdale