Letters: Slert has vision, experience, sensitivity needed for council

Crescent City voters have an exciting opportunity to elect a candidate to City Council who has the vision, experience and dedication to create a better future for Del Norte County.

Charles Slert is a world renowned architect who has won numerous national, state and regional awards for his innovative and sensitive designs. At Charles Slert Associates Architects he once employed as many as 22 architects. He also taught many years at the New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego.

Many of the talents and skills Charles developed as an architect are needed on the City Council, including listening to people's needs, desires and problems, envisioning innovative solutions, and coordinating with various agencies and groups to turn those solutions into reality. He is a good listener, problem solver and consensus builder, qualities that will benefit all of us when he is on the City Council. Also, the sophisticated expertise he would bring to the table would be invaluable as the future of this city takes shape.

Since moving here seven years ago, Charles has proven his dedication and commitment to Crescent City by serving on various committees such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant Committee and the Veterans Monument Committee. He also donated free of charge hundreds of hours designing and promoting various conceptual projects, including:

• Veterans Monument "Point of Honor" to celebrate local veterans who have served and sacrificed

• Crescent City gateway arches made of river rock pylons and timber trusses at both south and north entrances on Highway 101

• Pedestrian clear-span foot bridge for 24/7 public access to Battery Point Lighthouse

• "Goose Island" design for landscaping and sculptures on gravel island north of Burger King.

In addition, Charles submitted color studies for the recent repainting of the Veterans Memorial Hall and conceptual designs for the Community Wellness Center, Airport Terminal, Elk Valley Rancheria Resort and Tsunami Landing Arcade. Charles also contributed repeatedly to the Coastal Voices column in the Triplicate.

Charles has the vision, experience as an architect and sensitivity as a person to balance people's needs and aspirations with respect for and appreciation of the existing environment. I believe electing Charles to the City Council would give us an opportunity for a much brighter future. Please vote for him on Nov. 4.

Christine Walters

Crescent City