Voice of the People: RE: MEASURE “C”—WHO ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE? by Kenneth J. Henderson - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Voice of the People: RE: MEASURE “C”—WHO ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE?

By Kenneth J. Henderson, Past Chairman Grand Terrace Budget Advisory Committee
October 31, 2013 at 08:21am. Views: 62

Election campaigns should be about issues unless, of course, individuals, by their words or actions, make themselves an integral part of the campaign. Grand Terrace resident, business owner and Ad Hoc Budget Advisory Committee member, Earl Fraser, penned a recent letter to CNG entitled “Fact or Fiction—You Decide.” This letter could be considered Chapter 2 of that missive. Former Ad Hoc Budget Advisory Committee Vice-Chairman Jeffrey McConnell has tortured logic, truth and common sense in failed attempts to rationalize his about face on Measure “C.” For the uninformed, Mr. McConnell adroitly positioned himself to make the motion leading to the Committee’s recommendation of a Utility Users’ Tax to the Grand Terrace City Council. The Committee’s vote for the UUT was unanimous. Due to a family reunion, Mr. McConnell was absent when I formally presented the Committee’s report to Council. As a result, Mr. McConnell asked me, and City Manager Betsy Adams I learned later, to emphasize to the City Council that he was the maker of the motion to recommend a UUT and that his only difference with the Committee recommendation was the dollar amount associated with the Committee’s recommendation (Mr. McConnell preferred $1 million rather than $1.5 million). As we have learned since then, Mr. McConnell signed the ballot argument opposing Measure “C.” So, who are you going to believe: Mr. McConnell or the public record of Council and Committee meetings? Mr. Doug Wilson’s letters opposing the Committee’s work began before the Committee’s recommendation to Council was finalized, replete with sarcasm, name-calling and bad arithmetic. Given his absence at affected Committee meetings, I wondered at the time how he had come to know the Committee’s business before such business was finalized. Well, that question has certainly been answered by Mr. McConnell. You do not have to take my word for any of this. Ask any of the Committee members, members of the public in attendance or staff about these events. Better yet, review the public record, form your own conclusions and vote “Yes” on Measure “C.”

Related Articles

JW North High School Athlete of the Week: Escess Coony
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 522

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Your Home-Grown, “Budget Watchdog,” Councilman Doug Wilson, Is Still On The Job!

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 608

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

As Corporate Restaurants Retreat, Timber Ridge Bets on Local Ownership, Hospitality and People
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 526

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 324

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Business Summit Brings Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders Together
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 546

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrates the Culture, History and Contributions That Help Shape the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 705

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

County Library readers make waves during 2026 Summer Reading Program
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 674

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Moreno Valley Expands Volunteer Opportunities for Residents Ready to Give Back
Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 776

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Moreno Valley Begins Fall Fire Hazard Inspections
Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 528

Pet of the Week: Lady
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 472

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Kaiser Permanente Helps Give New Life to Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service
Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 759

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Walmart and Sam's Club Help Strengthen Food Access Across the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 374

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->