I’m running for District 5 supervisor because the citizens, businesses and government of Lake County can no longer afford to have the lake be the Achilles heel to what should be a vibrant, robust and growing tourism-based economy.

Lake County is the eighth-worst tourist destination in the state. Of the 58 counties in California only five farming counties and two desert hell holes draw less visitors than Lake County.

It’s about time for a Lake County renaissance. A renaissance that would result in accelerated job growth, investment and opportunity. This means more money to the county for important concerns such as education, roads, parks, law enforcement, etc.

It all starts with fixing the lake, and the time for multi-year plans with incremental improvements was years ago.

An American-made system that will transform the lake in a single season does exist. An ecologically sound system so effective it has been installed in this state and around the world.

A fix this good costs a fortune, and while worth every penny with unimaginative government thinking, it will never be installed.

With voter support, I will go nonstop after a very small portion of the $40 billion given away every year by corporations and foundations. The case can be made economically, from a health standpoint as well as environmentally. We will get the money.

Visit the web site www.itsaboutthelake.com . That’s where you can see more details, link over to the company that will fix the lake, as well as my thoughts on other issues. If you don’t use the Internet call 707-295-0330 and I’ll get you the info.

With the support of voters we will fix the lake quickly, without taxpayer dollars. Together we will make Lake County once again relevant as a place people visit, spend their money and then go home.

Nothing will have a bigger countywide effect and together we can do this.

It’s about the lake. It’s about time.

Philip Reimers lives in Cobb, Calif.