My View: Notes from the Front Row ™
Local Musings
Summer is over. It’s election season in the City of South Lake Tahoe
When 13 people run for just three city council seats, it suggests a strong interest in local government and a competitive election. It also suggests the community wants new leadership, different perspectives, or change. Ultimately, the large candidate pool indicates that residents are willing to step forward and take responsibility for shaping the city’s future.
With a dozen or so candidates running for City Council, including one incumbent, voters have choices. I’m not going to tell anyone whom to vote for. After being around here long enough, though, I have some thoughts about the qualities this job requires.
First, council members need to see the big picture and think strategically. A decision about housing, transportation, tourism, the environment, or the city budget rarely affects just one group. Second, they also need the patience to work through complex issues and the ability to explain their reasoning clearly. No one council member can govern alone. Listening, negotiating, and finding common ground with colleagues are essential skills for getting things done.
Finally, candidates should understand the city’s major priorities and be willing to make choices among them. That takes judgment and, at times, the courage to lead when an important decision is difficult or unpopular. Some thoughts you might want to consider in casting your ballot.
The lodging industry is going sideways.
One situation worth watching is a growing controversy within the California side lodging industry about tourism marketing on the South Shore. For several years, Gary Casteel, who has an ownership interest in the Village, and Drew Murin, a local special events and entertainment promoter, have been highly critical of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority’s (LTVA) effectiveness. In their analysis, they argue that declining room nights reflect shortcomings in marketing, that the South Shore should be attracting more visitors, and that the focus on stewardship is off the mark.
Their concerns are directed in part at the Tourism Business Improvement District board, made up of local lodging industry representatives who represent he broader California lodging industry, which then contracts with LTVA for tourism marketing. They (Casteel and Murin) have advocated withdrawing that funding and establishing a separate marketing effort. This issue is splitting the lodging industry into different camps, and it’s unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. In the meantime, they continue to criticize LTVA.
Such a change would raise substantial questions about funding, coordination, and how two marketing organizations (the LTVA and a possible new organization) would operate in the same destination. This one isn’t over and is worth following.
The tale of two mayors.
It’s a year later…Tamara Wallace resigned as mayor after allegations that she had embezzled money from a local church. She will be arraigned in federal court in October. Cody Bass, who succeeded her, was later convicted of trespassing and harassment in Nevada was found guilty. Judge Richard Glasson sentenced Bass to 45 days in jail, with 10 days to be served immediately and 35 days suspended over two years, conditional on sobriety, fines ($1,127), and staying away from the Stateline casino corridor
Both may have performed effectively in their political roles, but their personal conduct inevitably shapes how the public views their leadership and legacy. Their accomplishments remain part of the record, yet their reputation moving forward will also be influenced by these events. This reminds me of the lighthouse analogy: Two lighthouse keepers may have maintained the light and served the harbor well. But if one was found to have stolen the fuel and the other was convicted of misconduct, sailors might still acknowledge the work they performed, but they would no longer view the keepers, or their judgment, in quite the same way. Their accomplishments would remain, but their personal conduct would become part of the story associated with their leadership. While both have done a good job in their city council role, their behavior will color both. Competence can earn respect, but character determines trust.
It’s a Wrap:
A thought about sidewalks in South Lake Tahoe: Many new residents may take them for granted. It’s wonderful to see individuals and families, residents and visitors alike, walking along South Shore. But longtime residents will remember when sidewalks were scarce and walking often meant stepping into the street.
One politician who was relentless in trying to get Caltrans to build those sidewalks was Councilman Tom Davis. It may be fully appropriate for the city and the community to recognize his contribution. A plaque would be nice.
Carl Ribaudo is a columnist, consultant, speaker, and writer based in South Lake Tahoe. He can be reached at carl@smgonline.net.
