Public reacts to visit - Most call forum historically significant

Tahoe Daily Tribune

July 27, 1997
By Teresa Mills
Bonanza Staff Writer

As President Bill Clinton said his final words, gave his last handshakes and posed in his last photo with a group of firemen, Incline Village residents and visitors at the Village Green continued to wave to him even after his helicopter began lifting into the air.

In a town of approximately 8,000 people, a president's visit is a rare occasion. But no matter what someone's political views were, most said this was a very memorable and historical moment for the North Shore town.

"I'm a registered Republican, but I can sit here and say we have a president and vice president here to make Lake Tahoe better," said Tim Callicrate, trustee for the Incline Village General Improvement District. "I think both he and the vice president brought up some good points and I think they were sincere in those points."

Jim Blackwell of Salem, Ore., said he stayed an extra day in Incline Village when he heard the president and vice president were coming to town.

"I think he's absolutely right that we have to think outside of our boxes," Blackwell said. "I like that they (Clinton and Gore) are obviously a team. I think it shows in the things they get accomplished."

"I thought what he said was tremendous. I think we have nothing but positive things to look forward to," said improvement district chairman Jim Nakada, who introduced Clinton to the public.

Two members of the Wild Cat Lacrosse team, whose game was interrupted so the presidential forum helicopters could land on the field, didn't seem to mind the inconvenience.

"I think it was great. We have to support the environment," John Merrion said. His brother shared this sentiment.

"I think it was completely bad ass that Clinton came here," Paul Merrion said. "I was proud to let the president interrupt our tournament. It sure made it much more exciting."

"I think it was great. I love Lake Tahoe. I've lived here all my life and I think it's great that he got some money to help the lake," Incline resident Elliott Baldridge said.

However, some Incline Village residents were still skeptical. "It's a political speech," said Bob Preger, who attended the speech with his wife, Eleanor.

"I'm sure there are good days ahead of us, but there are good days behind us, too," he said. "This should have happened four years ago," she said. "But this is a step in the right direction."

And while some cheered as President Clinton announced he will commit $50 million toward local environmental action, Marty Bielaski of Incline Village shouted "Whose money?"

After the speech Bielaski explained that while he is in favor of environmental reform in Lake Tahoe, he doesn't want the rest of the country to have to pay for it. "Our son in Illinois shouldn't have to pay taxes for what we're doing here in Tahoe," Bielaski said. "It's our responsibility as residents."

He added that he thinks local municipalities should come up with the money. "I don't want to have to pay for something in Arkansas," he said. "I don't want to have to take care of everyone else's problems now."

Bonanza staff writer Roseann Langlois contributed to this article