Political Philosophy for Peace J. Gardiner

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Blue Lake

I consider myself a moderate in the political arena. I think government needs to be accessible to the people and that people have to educate themselves on the issues and should express their voice. Even if am not elected, I will not disappear from Blue Lake politics, I will still attend every meeting and read every council packet.

For a town our size a little organization goes along way. The present City Manager has done a good job putting together a personnel manual, but we still have no Financial Policy manual to rely on and these basic organizational documents are absolutely crucial. Council members come and go and organizational continuity needs to exist.

Our Parks and Recreation Department has seen a re-birth in the past year or so, and participation has increased at the skating rink. The park facilities are being rented more often, and new programs are being offered. These programs such the After-school program are of little cost to the city, but we reap huge benefits when we invest time in our children.

We need to encourage participation in our small city so the same two dozen names don't appear on every committee or volunteer list. An annual budget review committee would be great, community attendance at Parks Commission meetings would be fantastic. Dell 'Arte wants to play an active role in Annie & Mary Day, and the average citizens should as well. Our Chamber of Commerce would love more participation.

I think we can achieve these things as well as do the more behind the scenes things such as infrastructure repa