I have been hearing the following declarations from candidates for the South Lake Tahoe City Council. Moral character, restoring trust and integrity, accountability, listening to the community, affordable housing,  vibrancy, robust and resilient economy. These phrases mean nothing without an action plan.

With all this talk about integrity, I  haven’t heard any of them volunteer to submit to a background check. Not that that’s any guarantee of honesty and/or integrity, but it would be a step in the right direction. 

If you’re running for council, you should have already done a listening tour. After listening to people that live here, like baristas, nurses, renters, seniors, waitstaff, cashiers, parents and teens, the business community, nonprofits,  house cleaners, police, firefighters, and all types of 1st responders, you should already have a good idea of what residents think is important.

You should come prepared with a plan to address those concerns.  Fire safety, road repair, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, affordability, bear issues, and VHR compliance are among some of the issues I’ve heard from residents. A few of the candidates have actual plans for things like improved fire safety and evacuation, affordable housing, building an economy that does not entirely depend on tourism,  and protecting our environment.

Two of the priorities of the council are that if you work here, you should be able to live here and diversify the economy. 

Do the candidates have actual ideas on how to achieve those things? 

When reading up on our candidates, ask yourself if they are answering your questions or are they giving you a good sound bite. Do they believe in the priorities of the council, and how do they propose to achieve those goals, or are they just good talkers?

I’m looking for council members who, before they vote on something, ask themselves if they move us toward the Strategic Priorities  2025-2030:

  • Ability for everyone who works here to live here.
  • Efficient government
  • Ensure public safety 
  • Grow and diversify the economy
  • Improve transportation
  • Protect the natural environment
  • Recreation and equitable access for all.

Do your homework. We’re getting a new council. Get the answers to your concerns before you vote!

Martha Schoenfeld, voter, taxpayer, homeowner