Dear Editor:
In recent weeks a couple of letter-writers have questioned my candidacy for city council because I am a relative newcomer. It is an attitude that I have not often encountered in Atascadero. Still, for those few who are concerned about such things, let me respond.
As far as I know, Atascadero has neither a ruling class nor restrictions which make public office the exclusive province of lifetime or longtime residents. My understanding is that the greatest of American traditions—meritocracy—remains alive and well in Atascadero. For that reason, a candidate's qualifications for the job of city council member should be the most important factor in determining one's fitness for the office, not how long one has lived here.
I grew up in western New York, in a modest Italian-American family that believed in hard work, perseverance and patriotism. After a period of adolescent rebellion, I went to a state university where I rewarded my parents' unwavering faith and support for me by earning a bachelor's degree in economics. I went on to law school, then spent the next 30 years working in New York City as a corporate attorney and serving as a director and principal of several corporations. In 2004, my wife and I decided to relocate. From all the places in the United States where we could have chosen to go, we selected Atascadero. The beauty, comforts, climate and, most of all, the people here, made us certain from day one that we had found the home that we wanted for the rest of our lives.
One letter writer complained about me supposedly being a newcomer trying to tell longtime Atascadero residents what to do. All I can say is that I see problems affecting my community which I am equipped to help solve, and I want to help. I am offering to contribute my time, skills, and dedication; a fresh, unbiased perspective; 30-plus years of high-level professional experience; and the determination that has helped me succeed in business. In addition, I come without a history of involvement in Atascadero's past partisan conflicts to disadvantage me in my efforts to work cooperatively with all segments of the community.
I have a lot to give. Please consider my qualifications on the merits and put aside the divisive politics that dehumanizes real people as "newcomers," "old-timers," "elitists," and "good old boys." None of us are reducible to mere labels. We need to get beyond name-calling and start working together toward shared goals that are good for Atascadero. If I am elected, that's what I pledge to do. Please join me in this effort.
Sincerely,
Len Colamarino
