In another newspaper, Carol Churchill was quoted as saying, “It’s time the public sees what’s going on behind this façade that is the city.” Well, I say it’s time the public sees what’s going on behind this façade that is Measure U.
I believe that the group known as Signal Hill Community First (SHCF) has concocted this measure as a way to gain control over the City Council and the entire community.
Why do I believe this?
I have attended City Council meetings where SHCF has been present, and the only thing that I see that they bring to the table is anger and bitterness, which creates an atmosphere where nothing can be accomplished. They are constantly giving our City Council, which we elected to run our city, nothing but disrespect and animosity.
It occurs [to] me that this group has an ax to grind and an agenda that does not, as they proclaim, put our “Signal Hill Community First.” In my opinion, they just want to have power.
Signal Hill City Council members have proven to be good stewards of our budget; we are one of the only cities that did not go in the red financially when the redevelopment agency (RDA) was dissolved, and that is because our City Council and staff had planned for it. Signal Hill is a financially stable city and will continue to be, unless SHCF gets their way. Measure U has already cost us, the taxpayers, well over $119,000 in legal costs from lawsuits filed by SHCF members. It will only get worse, and litigation will go on for years.
I implore you, the voters of Signal Hill, to look at their agenda and motives.
We pledge allegiance to a republic where citizens elect representatives to make wise decisions for us. It should not be replaced with this voter micro-management scheme. I am voting “no” on Measure U. Please join me in saving our beloved Signal Hill from becoming a political casualty. Vote no on U!
Becky Rose
Signal Hill
The City Council purchased a “satisfaction survey.” The City Council published the survey in the City newsletter. What a surprise. Seventy-five percent of all the residents think they are great. Nothing should change.
This sounds like high praise from all the residents of Signal Hill. Â
There is only one “little” catch to the survey. Only about 240 of the Council’s “closest friends” answered the survey. Then the consultant played with “statistics” to make the numbers look “impressive.” You don’t need to know anything more than that to decide who you can trust.Â
Any elected official who would mislead you on a simple survey will mislead you on more complicated things— like the City’s so-called “impartial” consultant who wrote a single line hidden in his report that he didn’t bother to look at the law when he wrote his critical report on Measure U.
The proponents of Measure U have no reason to mislead voters, they are taxpayers just like you. They probably spend a lot more of their time monitoring the City[‘s] actions and auditing the City’s financial statements than you do. They don’t just rely on the City newsletter to get their information. Â
Measure U is your opportunity to put “checks and balances” into place. Measure U prevents the City from manipulating financial facts like they manipulated the survey results. Measure U requires an “independent financial analysis” for all tax hikes. Measure U requires full disclosure on your ballot if the City plans to give away your tax money. Measure U creates transparency, honesty, openness in government finances— on your ballot— because you don’t have time to stand watch over them every day.
Don’t let the politicians “take a bite out of your wallet.” Make them accountable. Keep them honest. Vote “yes” on Measure U.
Bob Mendoza
Signal Hill
