Why is Roger Gitlin running for City Council?

I do not live in Crescent City, but I know that successes in Crescent City benefit everyone who lives in the County. I do wonder why Roger Gitlin is running for City Council. Why did he file to run at the last minute?

I went to the Election Office to read Roger’s candidate statement, which tells voters what you hope to accomplish. I found that he did not spend the $400 to submit a ballot statement. I am curious to know what his agenda is, but I have observed him long enough that I have some idea of what he would do.

People may recall when Roger was on the Board of Supervisors. I cannot think of one thing that he accomplished except putting a sign at the entrance to the Board of Supervisors chamber that says, “In God We Trust.” Mostly I remember that he was very contentious and unproductive.

Recently, Roger was the Editor of the Del Norte Triplicate where he almost drove the newspaper out of business. After being warned by the owners to stop libeling Harbor Commissioner Annie Nehmer, he persisted with his attacks. Consequently, he was fired and the newspaper was sold to avoid a lawsuit.

It was reported to me that Roger spoke at a recent City Council meeting encouraging the City to stop building affordable housing because it will attract more poor people to move here. He has already been told that this subsidized housing is reserved for local people that need homes. Did he forget this?

Roger rails against the tarnish on our community from the local unhoused population but will not support efforts to provide housing. This sentiment reflects Gitlin’s apparent prejudice against poor people. He doesn’t want more outsiders to move here even though he moved here from Los Angeles County.

I have noticed that Roger is often impervious to facts. Once he makes up his mind, he will resist considering information that conflicts with his opinion. This is not a demeanor that will help solve problems. City Council is a non-partisan position, and Roger is too politically extreme to be effective.

In contrast, there are two candidates who will think objectively and be great for this non-partisan elected position. Incumbent Steve Shamblin gained experience with City policy as a Planning Commissioner and Measure S Oversight Committee Member. Steve has been a good addition to the City Council.

David Sedgwick will bring new energy and fresh ideas to the City Council. What I like most about David is that he clearly cares about the wellbeing of other people. He strongly believes that everyone deserves to have a place to live, even poor people. I believe he will bring harmony to the deliberations.

David and Steve are committed to downtown revitalization and affordable housing. They support improving roads, maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure and improving police and fire services. They promise responsible balanced budgets and transparency in all aspects of city government.

Remember there are two City Council positions to fill, so you can vote for two. I recommend that City voters elect David Sedgwick and Steve Shamblin for City Council. This would be good for us all.

Kevin Hendrick is a 33-year resident of Del Norte County