March 12, 2008

Response To Councilman Schafer

I must respond to Councilmen Schafers editorial in the Californiacity.com news, since his editorial was directed at me, in the attempt to muddy up and blame others and just down right BO Ho about what it is he do. Let me say first off. I stood in front of the city council and ask that they investigate William Ways actions. Mr Schafer Claims he did just that and spent weeks grueling over the facts and checking with studios up and down the state. OK Mr Schafer I believe you, then why did you get it wrong and back Mr Ways decision. Why didn't you find a solution to the problem. I was willing and made it very clear, I would settle and did. Even after 8 months of grueling losses and contempt towards me, my wife and business, by several city council personnel. After spending long drawn out hours investigating this situation and giving the facts to the grand jury We The People Got It Right! Instead of crying about it except the fact Mr. Way got it wrong! you got it wrong! Now lets move towards the growth this business can bring to this city!
As far as having to much lemon in my lemonade! Hear this Mr. Schafer City council Personnel and every one that reads this editorial. When ever a citizen challenges this city they are shunned. I was, others were. When ever this city does something wrong it is soon forgotten and swept under the rough and when it is exposed the city says's the citizen is sour,a sour pickle, they put to much lemon in their lemonade. and so on.
Enough of this!!! most of the citizens in this city are former military or have loved ones that our military or work directly for the defense industry and they will never collectively allow any one on the city council to push them around, talk down to then, or shove stuff under the rug in order to hide their mistakes. Individually their scared and rightfully so. The city has power to shut down their business, stop their efforts to beautify the city, or bring special projects. but united and they are about to unite and change the direction of this city once and for all, that is a different story. So if you think they are putting to much lemon in their Lemonade hold on for round two.
Lemoned laws are also something I have taken serious! After investing in this city. The Lemon laws of California or the Unfair business practice laws as they are formally known do not just apply to cars, they apply to all forms of business practices such as a corporation leading on a business to invest then switching and trying to destroy that business when they get what they want, sound familiar. This city is a corporation, an incorporated city. I'm investigating this city and have besides my own found many interesting cases write here in our own city of unfair business practices.
You think I' m putting to much lemon in my lemonade Mr. Schafer what if I shut your business down for 8 months, shunned you and made you feel UN welcomed in your own city. Tell me Mr. Schafer, what would you do, Cry like you are now or stand up and fight this type of injustice. And as far as the press is concerned! I will gladly give you a taste of the good old press. And freedom of it, I signed up to fight for in 1968, every time you and any one you back gets it wrong as long as your on that city council. The last battle got coverage from Mojave to Laos Angeles. I and my wife are starting a visual new agency here in East Kern the most important part of it will be investigative reporting, stay tuned. As far as the religious babble you spout on about. As a christian with strong and unbending beliefs. I feel that part of your statement was directed some where else, so I won't respond directly to it. It seem this city is very consistent it bends over back ward makes promises it cant keep to get business in town and then shuns them and brakes their promises. They did to me and they did to others their consistent that's for sure.
You have the only Movie studio Facility in Kern County, a new sports center, a near complete motel, and half finished mega square foot warehouse at the air port and none of these business people are happy here, if their still here. Why do you think Hyundai has never had a good relation ship with this city? Could it be the promise to pay them for infrastructure was broken and its taken years for them to get their money back, if they ever will? Could it be that they lost their case of blight and had to pay 400.000 in attorney fees for a case where the city tried and failed to take property from citizen through eminent domain? Is the resent air port purchase stagnant? Quite fighting the business you brought here keep your promise show the people you can rise above all the bad this city has done, or suffer the remarks, ridicule and bad press you have gotten and our about to receive along with all the other consequence of doing wrong.
One Last statement. Kennedy said "in victory we have a thousand Fathers and defeat we have done". This city should keep its promises to me and others they have coerced into coming here by offers of infrastructure and property. Which one of you on the city council will fight for that. Show your true colors and reap the rewards of victory, or wallow in your own self pity, alone.

Russell Michael

March 10, 2008

Standing Heroes

The Valley press this past Sunday spoke of organizations developing memorials to our fallen heroes. There are several of these organized groups doing a great job to keep those that have fallen memorialized. There is even a group here in California City headed by Rhonda Vazquez creating Freedom Park. Freedom Park will honor heroes from soldiers that served and fallen to all the civil servants that have fallen to keep us free and safe.
I became privy of the situation at our first ever in the World, Air and Space port in Mojave this last summer. Three people were killed and several seriously injured when an experiment went seriously wrong. A tragedy that unfortunately sometimes happens to people that pioneers such things as space travel. This is a risk that for some reason, these people are willing to take. They take this risk in the sprit of teaching us about the unknown and helping to make our world a better and safer place. They are the unsung heroes and I hold them in high esteem.
There are many Heroes that live among us as well some stand next to us yet we know nothing of there heroics unless we read or some how find out about them. True Heroes in my opinion would rather we not know of their heroics for some reason and that ok it’s theirs to own.
There are also those that do heroics and fall short of receiving the highest honors we can bestow on them, such is the case of some of the men and woman that enter harms way at the Mojave Air and Space port this past summer. The Highway Patrol officers that entered one of the most dangerous situations you can imagine were deprived of their organizations highest honor. I am appalled by this.
I believe these men and woman deserve and should receive their department’s highest honors. The ambulance personnel on the scene that performed next to the Highway Patrol personnel in this disaster received their organizations highest honors and were awarded their metals on the steps at Sacramento and rightfully so. Everyone who was there did the unimaginable.
I have through my parliamentary investigation into what I hope was and oversight by the Highway Patrol division heads that oversee the Mojave division found no reason why the brave men and woman of the Highway Patrol who skillfully and honorably removed the injured alongside of the ambulance personnel from a highly explosive situation need and deserved the highest possible honors their offices can bestow on them.
I made a promise to a fallen officer a long time ago. I had to make it on his reflections, posted on his page, on the register of Fallen Officers. My promise was to do something great for fallen officers in his name. He was the Chief of Police in a small West Virginia town of Piedmont. As a sculptor, the best I have been able to come up with was an unfinished sculpture of a police officer with a reflective face. I prayed for a way to finally keep my promise. Perhaps getting these officers the recognition they deserve will finally bring peace to that Chief of Police. We as citizens should honor them and respect their service enough, that we will go the extra mile to make sure that they get the recognition they deserve as "Standing Heroes" in our community. The people of Kern County need to know that we have the finest of men and women patrolling our county, and that they will go the extra mile for us.
I believe every citizen in Kern County should write me or their congress person with the wish that these men and women get that recognition. I would also hope we can flood the office of Highway Patrol in Mojave with calls of concern for the obvious oversite in the handling of the recognition, these officers undoubtedly deserved.
For a copy of the incident report and the ongoing investigation by my agencies, please contact me personally.

Russell Michael at michael@californiacitystudios.com or phone me at 760-373-4966. Or you can reach me toll free at 866-966-3456.

March 1, 2008

Studio Dispute Ended

Last night, I received a plan from Mrs Lunsford, the new City Manager of California City. This plan is a welcomed solution and will solve the dispute over the need for a Conditional Use Permit at our movie studio. Mrs Lunsford crafted an Authoritative Permit that will not restrict the building of movie studio sets on our movie studio backlots. Keeping in mind that we weren't broken in the first place, this solution to an 8 month old problem is welcomed by us and very much appreciated. I would like to thank Mrs Lunsford for her diligence in solving this dispute and working out an equatable solution.
I would also like to thank Mr Deaver, The Mojave Desert News, and his staff for keeping this dispute in front of the people of California City enduring this long drawn out debate. There have been many questions by the people of this city that needed answers, sweeping something like this under the rug, as this city has done so many times before, to us, was not an option. Thanks to the press for keeping those answers in the eye of the public. Mr. Deaver and his staff at Mojave Desert News did a good honest job. And my wife and I thank him.
We would like to thank Mr Pray for his work as well with he California City.Com news articles. I hope both of these agencies increase their efforts in this city and report more news that may be controversial or not favorable to the city's elected. Enough with this open policy that only benefits a few in this city. We need honest checks and balances, and fair and honest reporting does just that.
During the last 8 months, we have received several hundred emails, letters, and phone calls in support of our studio. We certainly want to assure those with concerns that we may pull out as so many others have done, that we will not. We have to rebuild our client base and that may take a little time. This solution that Mrs Lunsford skillfully architected will go a long way in doing that, an in assuring us, we can operate as we did with out the fear of closure by some one with a grudge or by anyone with a hidden agenda.
We feel confident and assured now that our studio is welcomed and needed here in this community. Something good actually came out of something bad. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Russell Michael

February 26, 2008

Congratulations Citizens

Congratulations on the passage of Measure A. Despite the fact that I was not in favor of that Measure, (but probably would have supported it had I seen any evidence of proper planning and/or safeguards in place), you will now have a funding source to complete the schools. I urge each of you that voted “Yes” on the measure to continue to follow-up on the progress of the school construction projects and the uses selected for the funding you have approved. Hold government accountable to produce results for the money we have provided them. Mr. Spellman (I can’t even believe I’m wasting a brain byte on this guy) you obviously can’t read, interpret as you see fit, and twist everything around to suit your own views. Go back to letter one…re-read…and try to figure out what I was trying to say. I’m sure you’ll fail at the task, but give it a shot.
If this project isn’t properly managed, (and there was no evidence of a real plan or any cost controls in place) cost overruns will in all likelihood result and additional funds will be requested of the taxpayers of the city. Don’t let it happen again!
I sincerely hope that those in charge of managing the school construction projects spend the time and effort necessary to accomplish the job they have been tasked with and that in the interest of the students who will attend these schools, the facilities will support and sustain the generations that follow. I attended an unfinished first year high school in a small town the size of California City, Mr. Spellman. We did just fine. We had no football field, incomplete facilities, and first year teachers. We managed. I’ve been there and know first hand that sometimes hardships make you stronger. They build character. We are all extremely proud of what has become our alma mater and most of us return to each high school class reunion.
As I’ve stated from the beginning on this issue, I was and am in favor of finishing the schools. But not at any price, and not without prudent planning, management oversight, and concern for the funds that taxpayers are providing. The majority has spoken and I respect that. Now make sure that your votes count where it matters. I sincerely hope that we see those who are managing this effort complete the project within the generous funding that has been provided for that purpose. Now get on with it, and surprise me by succeeding, on time and on budget!! I’ll be watching…as should each of you. After all, it is our money that’s funding it.

Good Luck,
Richard T. Backs

February 14, 2008

California City Studios Responds
To Grand Jury Report

I have been asked, why don't you just sue the city? I am not interested in suing the city. In my opinion suing the city is taking money from the people. I would like to bring the film industry to California City. However, I would like to stop the city from destroying my business and causing me any further financial problems. I felt Mr Way was wrong. I asked the city to investigate it. The city refused, instead, they told me to take it up with them in another form. That I thought was unfair and detrimental to me, so I persued the Grand Jury and others to help me answer the question, was Mr Way acting in the best interest of the city or himself? I got my answer and it cost citizens of this city nothing! I was asked, had I ever set down with the Mayor to discuss this issue. My reply! I stood in front of the city council, the Mayor was in attendance and every other member of the city council, and asked them to do something, no one did anything and to date no one has. I told them I believed I was wronged and that they should take action, they did nothing. No one got off their butts to come to the studio to see the problem first hand and no one has as of yet. I believe they made up their minds as soon as William Way opened his mouth. I ask them to please let's try to settle this without attorneys and law suites, they said nothing nor did they do anything. I asked them to fire Mr Way, they did nothing, but united behind him and against me with the exception of two city council persons. I gave them 2 months while I and my attorney tried in every way to avoid a law suite, which again I do not wish to bring, it only hurts the taxpayers and never resolves the real issue at hand and that is how to keep my business here in California City. I could have sued them under the unfair business act of the 1930's or as a private Attorney General. I chose to use the local Grand Jury and have prepared a package for the California Attorney General and the State Grand Jury, if the city can't resolve this issue with me. That is my next step. I have already received favorable information as it relates to this issue from the California State F ilm Commission on filming in California appointed by the Governor to control runaway film production in California and in their letter they stated that a conditional use permit would cause other studios to have an unfair advantage over me because it is not required by anyone else in an M1 zone. The real enemy here is the city government not the people of California City that have united behind me. I have collected over 700 signatures that I believe I could use to send a message to this city on just where the people stand on issues concerning this city government. Instead, I have chosen to send a different message to the city government, one is that I personally will take no more !@#$% from them. If the city doesn't like our business they should have never allowed us in the first place, and they should have never promised us anything. I would also like to answer Mr Edminson's complaint that I'm taking this too personal. I am, I'm taking it real personal. The truth of the matter is my fiery Irish Dari air is in an uproar. I was promised 2 roads and a water line with fire hydrants in writing from this city. As the city was installing these lines, several people in Wonder Acres complained and the city came to me and said we have to calm these people down by doing there roads first and they stopped working on mine. They promised me an 8 inch water line and people in Wonder Acres complained again and the city finished their water and told me to wait. While I was waiting, Matrix Motors came to town the city figuring they had me, they needed more, they put infrastructure in at Matrix first. Then Ellision came to town, (the golden boy), the city so they thought. They came to me again gave me a new letter stating they would finish my project in 6 months, they needed to take care of Ellison first he was bringing a grocery store. I'm still waiting. Then Hyundai came to town they lied to Hyundai and we now see the outcome of that. Then Mx motorcross track needed water they installed a line to them allowed them to build the track with out dealing with fish and game, they called fish and game on me. We will all see the outcome of that soon and it won't be pretty. I'm still waiting for them to finish the project they started with me. And I'm unable to run my business at full capacity. I want the people to know my patience has worn out, it's time for the city to accept its responsibilityies and fix the problems starting with me. Hold the check to Hyundai that has to be paid for the lies they told and finish my project. Let me go back to work so I can bring this city more business. Since I came here it has been one thing after the other, the former Mayor who at first tried to help us turned against us. The former Mayor after Jack Stewart left the city exactly 3 days had the water department shut off my water after knowing Jack Stewart had given me that line for us until they could solve my problem since it was only going to take 6 months to solve the problem, Mr Steward waved any charges for moderate water use until the 8" line could be installed. The Mayor Larry Adams didn't like that so he shut it off without warning, explanation or any type of formal notice, he just shut it off. We were filming at the time and had 42 people on the property. After Steward left, the new manager Mr Way, who the Larry Adams hired, came to my studio and later stated he wasn't honoring anything the old manager did, Ellison was also a victim of William Ways power hungry ways, and We know what's going on with Ellison. The truth is I love it here but all this has effected my business as far as filming, my health, and my art work. I was recently asked to do a sculpture to be placed in the city at the Freedom Park, when first asked, I was "gung ho" about the project as these problems have worn me down and as much as I love doing my art, the light burnt out today and I told the promoters we need to find a way to re-spark the enthusiasm so I can work with them. It would brake my heart not to be a part of it, but it is not fair to the promoters for me not to give it my all. Sorry for the misspellings especially of the names, but i need to do this without edit. I apologize for the long letter but I sometimes feel better when I write without editing it allows me to be more direct and honest with my thoughts and this letter will not get sent to another press agent other than
California City .com. I will prepare other statements soon but this is what it is. Thank you Citizens of California City. I hope you understand my anguish.

Russell Michael California City Studios Inc.

January 28, 2008

Passing Measure A

Mr. Backs, you stated "We weren't told what we'd be getting, when we approved the bonds originally". Before I voted for the School Bond Measure back in 2002, I read about what the money was going to be used for and what it was going to purchase. The School District gave information about the prefab buildings, and a timeline that the construction was going to follow, that was before all the governmental delays started. You also stated that you have seen Hacienda Elementary School and that "Am I impressed? No, personally, it's an eyesore next to California City Middle School." The truth is, the District bus lot is between CCMS and Hacienda Elementary. Hacienda Elementary School is new; the landscaping will take awhile to mature like California City Middle School, which was built in 1991-92. Also, the School District is cutting back on grassy areas at all the schools in the district, because of the water shortage in California. As for the buildings at Hacienda Elementary, yes, they are different from California City Middle School. There is a 16 year difference between the two schools, and let's face it, the dollar went further in 1991-92. The buildings at California City Middle School are what the voters agreed to with the School Bond Measure for California City Middle School. The buildings at Hacienda Elementary and California City High School are what were stated in the 2002 School Bond Measure, prefabricated buildings, not portables. Although the two new schools are not currently finished, due to the delays increasing the costs over the bond amount, what the School District has completed is impressive, the buildings look great. I took the Mojave Unified School District tour through both new schools during the construction phase. The detail that was built into the prefabs, that's what is behind all the walls and ceilings, and what was done on sight is more than impressive. I just wish that after all the governmental delays Mojave Unified School District had enough money to complete the original plans that were laid out in the 2002 School Bond measure. The additional funds that are needed, which Mojave Unified School District will get when Measure A passes, will allow the School District to finish what was started, not to start a new project. No new designs or artists rendering are needed, because all that was done already. Now to your concerns about what the money from Measure A will be used for. In my letter to the editor, dated January 24th, I stated that Mojave Unified School District did not spend anything on Measure A mailings. A letter I received from Mojave Unified School District, mailed on January 25th, gave the following information breakdown only:
1. Complete California City High School and Hacienda Elementary School.
2. Construct a gym, sports facilities, and student support facilities at California City High School.
3. Construct a cafeteria and a library with up-to-date technology at Hacienda Elementary School.
4. Upgrade technology infrastructure to improve student access to modern technology.
5. Build and renovate school facilities to accommodate students displaced by construction.
6. Furnish and equip the schools to the extent permitted by law.
7. Address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction (e.g., plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, etc.)
8. Perform necessary site preparation/restoration in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling.
As for your statement "Convince us that alternate sources of funding have been sought, evaluated, and are not expedient or available.", like I said before, that will take years. And during that time you wanted the students of California City to suffer, to wait, for something that will not happen. The passing of Measure A on February 5th will give California City students a chance at a great education at two new completed schools.

Bill Spellman

January 26, 2008

School Tax

Saying you don't want our schools to grow, because of some governmental mistakes in the past, is like saying you don't want your stocks to grow because your stock broker made you mad. Good Schools, Good Fire Departments, and a Good Police Force is what makes a community a great place to live. If we have a great place to live others will want to come here, and that will increase our values. It's simple, VOTE YES to improve our schools.

Russell Michael
California City Studios Inc.

January 24, 2008

Students Need Not Suffer

We need to get Measure A passed. It's not fair to make the students of California City wait for years, or decades. They are the ones that will suffer by not having completed schools along with everyone else in California City.
Yes, the State and Federal government caused all the delays, and I agree with you Mr. Backs that they should compensate California City and the Mojave School District for the costly overruns due to those delays, but it will never happen. If we took your advice and tried to get compensation from the State and Federal government, it would take years, if not decades of filing, re-filing going through the State and Federal court system trying to get something from them. You stated "I've managed many multi-million dollar government programs and I understand the uncertainties." So you should know that getting the State and Federal government to compensate California City and the School District is just wishful thinking on your part. If we go along with your wishful thinking and go after the State and Federal government, why not go after the construction companies and material supply companies for more than doubling their prices over the years.
Mr. Backs, you stated, "I voted for the original school bond measure. I entrusted those in government to accomplish the original intent of that measure. They failed. Rather than the brick and mortar schools most taxpayers probably envisioned when they voted for the new schools, their "foresight" produced something much less for the city and it's costing more." What I want to know, have you ever been out to see the two new schools? You do know that those prefab buildings are not trailers? The steel framing in the prefab buildings are stronger and will withstand earthquakes better then any brick and mortar building. The construction costs of a prefab building is less than any on sight stick built building and the quality is the same if not better. And for its costing more, that is not true. The School District got more for the buck by purchasing the prefabs buildings after the passing of the 2002 bond measure rather than waiting until the years of delays to be over to stick build the school on sight. If the School District had waited, the two new schools would still be under construction, but more then likely they would not even exist.
One last thing, the Mojave Unified School District did not spend anything on the Measure A mailings or for the signs you see around the city. That was done for the School District by a "Committee of Concerned Citizens" that raised the funds through donations from individuals and businesses here in California City, not by using taxpayer money. All the businesses and individuals that donated can see that Measure A is needed, that completing the two schools will not only benefit the students but everyone in California City.

Bill Spellman

January 22, 2008

Same Dragon, Different Face

Are the Mayor and city council of California City the same Dragon just different faces? Now that Mayor David Evans has taken over in California City, it appears that council members have an increasingly difficult time voicing their views, since Mayor Evans gives them little chance to do so. Instead of encouraging different view points on issues and solutions to running the city, the Mayor seems to roar over the city chamber like the king of the dungeon, by talking down his cohorts, podium thumping, and raising his voice when he doesn't get his way in an obvious attempt to discredit others.
Many California City citizens of nearly 10,000 have a new awareness of this unwanted behavior. This guy could also easily spend us out of existence before we can get to the polls this year.
Another big issue with this relatively young and inexperienced mayor is his apparent ability to take credit for others accomplishments such as the sports arena. Who built the sports arena? Ask around town you would swear it was the city, when the real architects of bringing that project to the city were the Sellards. The Sellards own Whimpy's Diner here in town and they should be thanked in numerous ways, but instead their shunned by this city government.
If you noticed the recently resigned City Manager Mr Way, the Mayor, Mr. Evans, the city councilman, Mr Shaffer, and the water department head, Mr Bevins all act with an iron hand and often use intimidating ways with citizens and or city employees by making unfounded accusations or rash statements that find their way into local news papers on some subjects better breached in school yards.
Over the years California City has experienced a recurring number of mistakes that significantly cost our taxpayers. One of the reasons is simply that the organizational culture is broken. Our city officials would rather sweep some of the serious problems under the carpet and away from the public eye. Consequently, the root cause of the problems are never exposed and solved. After a short time these problems repeat themselves and the taxpayers are the ones who pay all over again.
We are now facing more problems then we have ever faced. With inexperience and some self centered actions taking the helm. Can we as a city afford to look towards the heavens as our only solution or as they say in Ireland "keep the faith but row to shore"?
We need to take action! Let this Mayor know that spending 4.5 million on the airport property with no significant or decisive plan brought before the city. In the interim causing the end of a business that brings in 1000 people a month. Then stating in the newspaper that they are going to turn the airport in to a tourist attraction to offset that loss. And again with no clear or decisive plan laid before us for discussion.
We have 450 homes on the market. Some of the owners are advertising in the Antelope Valley Press for "Section 8" renters in order to keep their mortgages paid. The Sports Arena is unfinished, and even though we have the money, the Mayor refuses to finish it, opting instead to fix it a little. The reckless spending on infrastructures for projects such as the one behind AltaOne Federal Credit Union that is sitting idol. Showing bias to other business with broken promises by this city government and running a $1 million dollar water service to MX Track and "Mary of the Rock", I believe it's called. Then on top of all this shunning and apparently trying to close businesses with total disregard for the California State and Federal Fair Business Practice Laws. This is all just unacceptable.
As my news agency grows here in California City and East Kern, I hope we can help provide this city and all of East Kern with hardcore facts and not just what the powers that be wish us to print.
We send our articles to all news agencys and wire services. We believe a hard line is the fine line in the world of governmental news reports.

Russell Michael

January 14, 2008

OHV Community Brings Dimes

My family and I were out to California City for New Year's Eve. While there, I picked up a copy of the local newspaper, the Mojave something-or-other, while I was waiting for a pizza at the Pizza Factory. There was a letter to the editor written by a guy named Tom Ross that was written in response to a letter from Lou Paralta. While I didn't see Lou's letter, Mr. Ross quoted it heavily. Basically, Mr Ross is against the OHV community, and stated that he doesn't think we bring 1 dime into California City on the weekends.
I was going to write a letter back to the newspaper, but can't find a mailing address, and their website doesn't have a place to submit letters.
Anyway, Mr Ross' letter got me to thinking, "How much bank do I drop at California City on a typical weekend?" So, thinking that New Year's weekend was a typical weekend for my clan, I added it up...it goes something like this:
Pizza Factory $43 and change
Ace Hardware $108
Rider's Choice $65.00
Rite Aid $22
Gas and Diesel $166
If my math skills still work, that's a bit over $400 for us. I looked back at my bank records over the last year, and while the money goes to different places sometimes (might be NAPA instead of Rider's Choice, and one of the Mexican restaurants instead of the Pizza Factory), it's always between $300 and $400 a weekend. I don't expect that we are any different than anyone else who comes out there. We don't stock the trailer quite as well or gas up as much as we do when we go to Dove or Wagon Wheel, because we know the stuff is there in California City, and we want to drop some coin there. We also drop some money in the donation box at Borax Bills, and don't cheat the dump fee (even if the hose bib is broken so we can't flush our tanks). In addition, we carry out more trash than we make.
If you know Mr Ross, please pass this info on to him, or if you know how to contact the paper, pass it on to them to include in their letters section.

Thanks, Greg

December 20, 2007

Higher Taxes, Less Voice For Voters

Did you know that California has found a way to raise taxes and reduce the rights of voters?   Are you surprised?   In one stroke of the pen, property valuations have increased and the percentage of voters needed to prevent future tax initiatives has been decreased.   What does this mean to you California City voters?   It means that now you get to pay higher property taxes and that only 55% of voters need to vote yes on Proposition 39 in order for it to pass on February 5th, 2008 instead of the 67% required previously for Measure E.   Your voices were heard, and they would prefer to hear fewer of them that disagree with approving new taxes.
If you believe that this is the last time politicians will be coming after your hard earned money in the form of tax increases, you haven’t been listening to the news on healthcare reform.   We’ll get to pay for that pretty soon as well.   We also have a defense crisis, mortgage crisis, security crisis, energy crisis, education crisis, immigration crisis, labor crisis and let’s not forget the Academy Award winning global warming crisis…I think you see the trend.   Need money, create a crisis.   Need a solution, create a tax. Can most California City residents afford to fund this particular bond initiative?   Probably, (especially the city’s registered voters who are only renting here), but that’s not really the point.
Those of you who objected to Measure E for the reasons, I’ve identified in previous letters, and voters who are interested in trying to hold government accountable to produce results and not squander precious tax resources beware.   We are destined to lose this upcoming vote to those who desire a solution to our current school construction “crisis.”  Never fear, another crisis will come along, and they’ll be back again.
Does anyone seriously harbor the illusion that completing these schools alone will substantially increase property values?   Housing prices are falling all across the nation, even in communities with completed schools.   There are larger economic forces at work here.   It’s a gross oversimplification to equate completing the work on the schools to an increase in property values or an increased corporate interest in investing in California City.
For the record, I’m not opposed to finishing the schools. The work needs to be completed.   However, nobody has attempted to equate the cost of completing that work with the amount of Bond money being proposed.   Not necessarily “to the penny” Mr. Spellman, I’ve managed many multi-million dollar government programs and I understand the uncertainties.   I believe most voters would be satisfied with a published accounting of a reasonable justification that produces an estimate to the nearest million dollars.   I’m simply opposed to wasting large sums of taxpayer money without adequate plans in place to prevent the same mistakes from being made again.   The accounting “safeguards” don’t prevent money from being wasted, they simply help tell you where it was wasted.   I’m against writing multi-million dollar checks to politicians to solve a “crisis” that they created and I’m against anything that increases the government’s ability to tax the citizens now or in the future.
Don’t worry California City voters, if Proposition 39 fails they’ll be trying again in the November 2008 election.  Oh, and if it passes, expect a new “crisis” to emerge on the ballot to take its place.

Respectfully,
Richard T. Backs