VOP: Dear Editor

Dear Editor, In response to the recent letter that appeared in the Grand Terrace City News from Herman Hilkey… 1. The timeline on placing political signs out: the city HAD an ordinance for 30 days prior to the election. This was repealed several years ago as the city was threatened by a lawsuit by a GT resident dealing with freedom of speech. 2. Walt DID NOT destroy the RDA, that was done by Governor Brown. Walt has worked tirelessly to manage the city with the monies legitimately received. The past council and city manager (Tom Schwab) used the RDA monies for years and years to run the city without any regard to the future of the city. When this was discovered the city was made to pay back funds that were used illegitimately. This of course has strapped the city for funds and cuts had to be made. 3. It is true that the residents voted down Measure C and without the funds the city had to make further cuts in services. Checks don’t go to the mayor, nor does he endorse them; how could he hide them? 4. The white neon signs were approved and installed during a time that Walt was not mayor. The vandalism to the signs have made it almost impossible to maintain in working order. Maybe the solution to this problem would be to remove them. Herman, I would like to ask you why are you still receiving benefits from the city at taxpayer expense, just because you are a prior councilperson/mayor/planning commissioner. Others have refused to accept. What kind of deal did you negotiate for those benefits? There are many people in Grand Terrace who do support Walt for Mayor. We are working hard to see that he stays in office to KEEP THIS CITY MOVING FORWARD.