The debate over Redevelopment Agencies is probably moot at this stage in the game. The fate of the RDAs rests  in the hands of the State of California. We now need to turn our attention to “our new boss”, the Bond.  The new boss has the potential to be the same as the old boss. However, the new boss comes with an addition of its sidekick , long term debt.

I really hope that our citizens will come together and let the city council know how they feel about going into debt to pave a parking lot. (Simplify).  If the city council agrees to issuing bonds, I will suggest (ballot initiative) that an advisory committe be appointed to advise the city on how the bond money will be spent.

We have had some great debates on cactus thorns over both RDA and the bond issuance. However this debate needs to be carried to another workshop/town meeting, as suggested by Larry Briggs. For now we need to let by-gones be by-gones regarding the RDA and focus on the issue at hand, is going into long term debt  good for this community that sits at 15% unemployment and the future isn’t looking any brighter.  

29 has an advisory committees for art and the general plan, but we do not have one for the RDA. That is where we missed the boat.  Citizen input has been the missing component. I go to the workshops and meetings. I see people stand and give their opinion, I talk at almost every meeting, but rarely do I see a true result coming from the people.  Much like when Parliament tried to appease the Colonists by claiming they had “‘virtual representation”.  It seems our representation is likewise seen as “virtual.” You do remember the outcome of that story, I hope.

 Fair representation and much discussion must take place first before making a decision that will have long term consequences for 29.  I don’t know how you expect a big decision like this to be discussed and  decided and then have the money by the end of April, without interpreting that as a rush, which suggests that the City Council plans for it to happen anyway.  If that does happen, gentlemen, I will consider that an act of tyranny. arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority.

 “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln.

 Gentlemen of the Council, you have the power to issue bonds without voter approval, but do you have the character to not do it?