Gray Davis, he did give We the People his middle finger. In order to win re-election for another four years, he lied about the extra $12 billion state deficit. Way to go, Governor.
5
And now, the story of the elephant in the living room: When the 13 colonies became the United States of America, it was an honor and privilege to make policy for the new country. Those chosen to represent the colonies met together from distant areas several times a year, full of hope, idealism, and tremendous enthusiasm. For their efforts, they were paid expenses only. Now, our elected leaders pay themselves very well. In the highest levels, public service has become a most secure, lucrative career – really not a bad deal – four years, maybe eight, maybe even 12 years of elected service, then a hefty pension for life. We the People, who foot the bills, have no say whatsoever in decisions regarding lifetime pensions, salaries, cars, bonuses, and many other hidden perks. Our elected leaders decide for themselves what they should receive.
Now we learn that our state and all its counties are in perilous financial straits. Added to that news, we also learn of the recent unexplained loss of funds to county non-profits, because of careless lack of county oversight. There is no excuse for this sloppy administrating. Our leaders dole out our money and do not bother to demand accountability.
Last fall, County Supervisor Marty Wormhoudt stated that California’s budget deficit is so critical that we must expect drastic cuts in most state and county programs – adding that the poor, elderly, physically and mentally handicapped will suffer first. She was right. Why is it that the weak who are the most needy are always targeted for cuts first? They should be the last denied help. Those who got us into this horrendous mess because of greedy, irresponsible leadership should take cuts first. Instead, they reward themselves.
A short time ago, a Sentinel editor wrote about the issue of California state pension giveaways, noting that local cutbacks are happening in the wake of irresponsible state pensions. He was only half right. He clearly chose to not take on the elephant in the living room.
Bad things happen when good people do nothing. Or, in this case, say nothing – it is called the Sin of Omission.
About the elephant… The Sentinel editor ignored the recent huge 30%+ salary and pension hikes which our own CAO and supervisors are taking for themselves and other upper level county employees. Like our governor, those leaders are giving We the People their middle finger.
This is happening while we must endure severe cuts in necessary services.
Where is the leadership, integrity, compassion for the needy – all the qualities they promised to uphold while running for office?
To my knowledge, only one supervisor had the sensitivity to decline the recent raise – Ellen Pirie. If that is still so, kudos to you, Ellen. About the others, there is no moral justification for this self-serving, callous behavior.
Checking that similar leaders of adjoining counties are in the same salary range does not make it right. If it’s true, they must equally share in the blame for California’s possible catastrophic collapse. These people should GIVE BACK THEIR RAISES. If not, there is always the justification and the possibility of a recall. The reason? How about dismal leadership and fiscal irresponsibility?
A few words of advice to Governor Gray Davis now: Sir, you have betrayed the people of California. You lied to get reelected to the tune of $16 billion. Your credibility grade is an F. The recall effort for your removal is moving along, and most probably will be successful. You have the power to redeem a measure of respect at this time. Help the state avoid the unnecessary expense of the recall election. Governor, go out with class. Do the right thing. Resign.
6
An Open Letter to the Santa Cruz City Council
Your recent action requesting the federal government to consider initiating the impeachment of President Bush on behalf of the citizens of Santa Cruz was once again the height of irresponsibility and chutzpah. How dare you decide that you have the right to speak for me or any other Santa Cruzan with regard to federal issues. You were elected to work for the City of Santa Cruz only, and nothing more. If a member of our community is unhappy with President Bush’s performance, or with anything else outside of our city, that person should write to directly to the federal government as a private person.
It is surely not your place to make pronouncements on behalf of all Santa Cruzans.
With regards to the whereabouts of “weapons of mass destruction”, it is naive to think that Saddam Hussein would be stupid enough to leave the evidence of their existence sitting around in Iraq. Those weapons may be well hidden in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, or any other country near Iraq. They may never be found. However, every logical-thinking person would agree that the megalomaniac Saddam Hussein had to be disarmed and made irrelevant, and the world is infinitely safer without him.
If, however, you continue to believe with every fiber of your being that there never were any weapons of mass destruction, despite the documented proof that he used poison gas on many of his own people, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn I would love sell you.
7
Because this issue cuts to the heart of public sector injustice, it won’t go away easily despite the fact that a U.C. top gun, the University Vice Chancellor, was quickly dispatched to our local Sentinel to rationalize the recent public event. The result of his attempt was tepid. So, continuing the saga of the U.C. administrator’s constant concern with budget issues and possible shortfalls, they still just approved salaries and bloated moving expenses for Denise Denton, new UCSC Chancellor, and her girlfriend, Professor Gretchen Kalonji.
As a result of her request, a new position was created at UCSC for Dr. Kalonji. It appears she has prestige in engineering circles, so now the Regents didn’t want to lose her; in fact, they were honored and happy to pay her $193,000 per year and $50,000 for moving expenses. All this while university leaders were denying first-time raises in three years for UCSC clerks and other employees. As usual, the top dogs get too much, and those on the lower levels don’t get enough. Even Professor Kalonji states “It’s so expensive to live in California”, so is it equally expensive – or more so – for clerks?
The inequity in salary is insulting and unjust, especially since this past year UCSC has been the recipient of a windfall of donations of $35 million from alumni and others. They used $5 million of that endowment to purchase a large industrial building in Westside Industrial Park with significant acreage for future buildings. Does that also mean that the university is exempt from paying property taxes? If so, We the People will have to pick up the slack.
Haven’t we also lost the former Holiday Inn to the public and visitors? It was either purchased or leased to house UCSC students. When the University of California system in the 1960s received the 2000-plus acres from the Cowell Foundation to create a U.C. campus, the plan was to build housing for students and some for faculty on campus. That happened in the early years, but now it appears that the entire west side of Santa Cruz is being inundated with students and their cars. Parking is becoming a problem, rents are higher, and residential neighborhoods are crowded and deteriorating. Clearly, the university on the hill is opting to continue to grow but build minimally on campus and keep it pristine, and instead buy or rent facilities in Santa Cruz. Doesn’t one get the uneasy feeling that UCSC is gradually taking over our city?
8
(February 25, 2005) Weighing in on the Santa Cruz Coast Hotel project, any real estate professional would agree that the three most important qualities in any real property are location, location, and location. The proposed site for this $100 million plus hotel and convention center I believe is wrong, skimpy, and in a crowded funky area with an overabundance of constant traffic. The one piece of land worthy of this expensive expenditure is Lighthouse Field. Had we proceeded 30-35 years ago with this same plan at Lighthouse Field, our city would have had a beautiful and profitable addition costing a fraction of what it costs today. However, the powers in charge, then spearheaded by attorney Gary Patton, local activist