Voice of the People: The City of Grand Terrace Fortunes Will Not Rise on Discord or By Holding on to Bitter Sentiments

The demands of raising a family and work leave little time for civic engagement. This situation, replicated across the state and Nation engenders a “micro-political environment,” of those voters who do have the time to engage. We must ask ourselves if this is “representative” input to the public debate. The ability for Grand Terrace residents to keep informed on local issues in limited. Only Comcast Cable subscribers, can view the live meetings, there are no other air dates. Before I joined the city council, I understood the finances of the city were bleak. We were compelled to declare a “fiscal emergency” and place Measure C – a utility tax - on the ballot. After its failure we had an embarrassing discovery of “unanticipated revenues.” Grand Terrace launched cityhood with marginable tax receipts. Local government finance has become a Byzantine matrix. On the February 28th agenda we had a fairly good mid-year budget report. But, once again, the Auditor-Controller informed staff that revenues calculations were again flawed. Yes, we are again nearly broke, after “not broke” and now nearly broke again. If Measure C passed we would not be having this discussion. However, it would not be fair to collect more in utility taxes than we needed. Our draft “Mid-Year Budget Review” kept us whole for this fiscal year with a projected $100,000 deficit in 2015. I felt confident with new business locating in our city we could close the gap. We are operating with top city staff that are retired from CALPERS and can only work 960 hours per fiscal year. This is not sustainable after December 2014. This city has a chance to save itself. First, the citizens must know what is going on at city hall. Secondly, bitter “camp” divisions must move towards “civil responsible action”. We must collaborate to solve the serious challenges facing the city. This November offers a chance for “civic engagement” via the November election. This is the time to display our best leadership and courage.