The candidates are sure spending a lot of money on ads for a job that pays so little, and one of them would even give his small stipend to charity, as long as he continues to get his $150,000-plus retirement pay. Actually, it's hard to find out what the pay is for a council member, but it was about $400 per meeting at one time. And the police guys are spending a ton on nasty mail to get Neal Andrews bumped -- because he travels too much? On city business?
Actually, Andrews is the only council member whose primary concern is to stay within budget, within income.
More government taxes with Measure A? No! How did they decide a half cent for four years would be just right to do the job?
More government oversight of construction with Measure B? No! Why do we have a city design oversight staff?
More government restrictions on business with Measure C? No!
For the first time in more than 20 years, I will not vote for Jim Monahan or for any of his newfound friends, Ed Summers, Brian Brennan or Mike Tracy, all pro-tax. Tracy is a nice guy, but we've got enough well-paid former police and fire chiefs in the system.
Folks scoff at Brian Lee Rencher, but we need at least one person on the council who keeps the pot stirred, and Rencher knows what's going on. And forgive me, but even a lawyer or two wouldn't hurt.
-- Roger Muir, Ventura