Desert Political Opinion
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Desert Political Opinion
Intentional Humor on Desert Sun Opinion Pages?
One of the loudest gripes heard about the "Forever Marilyn" sculpture is the amount of unwanted local media coverage being foisted off on those living in "her" community. The sculpture was acquired for its promotional value and press coverage elsewhere has proved it a good investment on behalf of local tourism. That doesn't mean residents need constant reminders that "Forever Marilyn" now dwells among us.
The sculpture didn't appear to warrant or need more local print coverage, but a Valley Voice piece in the local paper proved an exception worth reading. Bruce Bonafede, in his Desert Sun op-ed titled "Will 'Forever Marilyn' be just the first of celebrity statues in Palm Springs?", is a must-read by all who are familiar with the workings of the Palm Springs city council, boards and commissions. A few city officials may not appreciate the author's witticisms but others, with smaller egos, should find them rather entertaining.
Bonafede's "Forever Marilyn" piece is simply hilarious. It starts with "the response has been unanimously positive - except from those who don't like it." He reports visiting the City's "DUD" department, refers to a new "Celebrities in Public Places Commission", takes a brief swipe at "neighborhood associations and political clubs", discusses a new commission setup process that emulates the Measure J Oversight Commission appointment debacle, and tops it off with a reference to "The Preservation Society to Save Everything Old and Ugly in Palm Springs."
The "Will 'Forever Marilyn' be just the first of celebrity statues in Palm Springs?" is an interesting choice of titles for this sardonic and clever reminder that Palm Springs politics does have a funny side. The author, Bruce Bonafede, is a columnist worth reading and one whose frequent offerings should be encouraged. Bringing him aboard would surely enhance the opinion pages of The Desert Sun.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
The sculpture didn't appear to warrant or need more local print coverage, but a Valley Voice piece in the local paper proved an exception worth reading. Bruce Bonafede, in his Desert Sun op-ed titled "Will 'Forever Marilyn' be just the first of celebrity statues in Palm Springs?", is a must-read by all who are familiar with the workings of the Palm Springs city council, boards and commissions. A few city officials may not appreciate the author's witticisms but others, with smaller egos, should find them rather entertaining.
Bonafede's "Forever Marilyn" piece is simply hilarious. It starts with "the response has been unanimously positive - except from those who don't like it." He reports visiting the City's "DUD" department, refers to a new "Celebrities in Public Places Commission", takes a brief swipe at "neighborhood associations and political clubs", discusses a new commission setup process that emulates the Measure J Oversight Commission appointment debacle, and tops it off with a reference to "The Preservation Society to Save Everything Old and Ugly in Palm Springs."
The "Will 'Forever Marilyn' be just the first of celebrity statues in Palm Springs?" is an interesting choice of titles for this sardonic and clever reminder that Palm Springs politics does have a funny side. The author, Bruce Bonafede, is a columnist worth reading and one whose frequent offerings should be encouraged. Bringing him aboard would surely enhance the opinion pages of The Desert Sun.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
Click here to view the Valley Voice article on the MyDesert.com website.
Obligatory photo - one is expected of all local "Forever Marilyn" promotion pieces.
Obligatory photo - one is expected of all local "Forever Marilyn" promotion pieces.
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Palm Springs District Elections: Has it's time arrived?
Summary. Switching to elections of Palm Springs city council members by district would require voter approval of an amendment to the City Charter. A nonpartisan informal exploratory committee is examining a switch to District Elections proposal as one of several options that would serve to lessen the influence of huge campaign war chests being the deciding factor in City Council elections.
It is accepted as fact that money buys elections! Candidates who raise the most money in support of their campaigns almost always win. Candidate name recognition and strong attacks on opponents are the goals of campaign strategists and money allows for the publicity (radio, TV, newspapers, direct mail, signs, phone banks, Robocalls, etc.) that's needed to win an election. The money for candidates comes from those who have a particular interest in seeing their choice elected (or reelected). Special interest groups often constitute the greatest source of funding for council candidates.
When elections are bought it sometimes results in candidates who favor the positions of special interests over those of the electorate. That's the perception currently held by many in the Palm Springs community. The current city council appears comprised of members who serve themselves first, followed by the interests of their close friends/supporters. Council members receive a salary, generous benefits, many event admission freebies, income-related networking, and each benefits from enhanced social status. It's not surprising some hold the view those serving in Palm Springs elected positions do so for personal benefit and their foremost objective is to remain in office. Council members are seen as beholden to and serving the needs of influential interests who will in turn help them hold onto their council seats.
District elections are viewed as a way to offset the advantages candidates with money have in city council elections. Dividing the Palm Springs community into six districts of equal voting population size would allow district elections to become a reality. Each district would elect one council member. The size of the district would be small enough for candidates to actually canvass door-to-door seeking votes. That type of campaigning limits the advantages money for publicity provides. A good candidate, with a realistic community-based legislative platform, and who meets and listens to district residents, is the one with the best chance of getting elected. District residents benefit by having a representative who listens and is aware of constituent concerns.
An informal nonpartisan exploratory committee has been discussing the advantages of switching to district elections in Palm Springs. The change would require a city charter amendment approved by voters and the process would not be swift. It's understood the exploratory group is also examining other ways that would serve to lessen the influence of money on local elections and allow for council members who have a broader perspective of community needs and interests.
Bond Shands
May 10, 2012
Palm Springs District Elections: Has it's time arrived?
Palm Springs, California. The City Council consists of an elected mayor and four council members. All are elected at large to four-year terms. Council member elections are staggered and two (members Ginny Foat and Chris Mills) will be up for election in 2013. The positions are not subject to term limits and are viewed as nonpartisan but not apolitical. It is accepted as fact that money buys elections! Candidates who raise the most money in support of their campaigns almost always win. Candidate name recognition and strong attacks on opponents are the goals of campaign strategists and money allows for the publicity (radio, TV, newspapers, direct mail, signs, phone banks, Robocalls, etc.) that's needed to win an election. The money for candidates comes from those who have a particular interest in seeing their choice elected (or reelected). Special interest groups often constitute the greatest source of funding for council candidates.
When elections are bought it sometimes results in candidates who favor the positions of special interests over those of the electorate. That's the perception currently held by many in the Palm Springs community. The current city council appears comprised of members who serve themselves first, followed by the interests of their close friends/supporters. Council members receive a salary, generous benefits, many event admission freebies, income-related networking, and each benefits from enhanced social status. It's not surprising some hold the view those serving in Palm Springs elected positions do so for personal benefit and their foremost objective is to remain in office. Council members are seen as beholden to and serving the needs of influential interests who will in turn help them hold onto their council seats.
District elections are viewed as a way to offset the advantages candidates with money have in city council elections. Dividing the Palm Springs community into six districts of equal voting population size would allow district elections to become a reality. Each district would elect one council member. The size of the district would be small enough for candidates to actually canvass door-to-door seeking votes. That type of campaigning limits the advantages money for publicity provides. A good candidate, with a realistic community-based legislative platform, and who meets and listens to district residents, is the one with the best chance of getting elected. District residents benefit by having a representative who listens and is aware of constituent concerns.
An informal nonpartisan exploratory committee has been discussing the advantages of switching to district elections in Palm Springs. The change would require a city charter amendment approved by voters and the process would not be swift. It's understood the exploratory group is also examining other ways that would serve to lessen the influence of money on local elections and allow for council members who have a broader perspective of community needs and interests.
Bond Shands
May 10, 2012
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat on War Path
Summary:
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat engaged in a spirited email exchange asserting no Conflict of Interest exists with respect to her functions as a paid City Council member or salaried Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center. She claims her actions securing Measure J Oversight Commission appointments for two of her Mizell Senior Center employer representatives did not violate any legal restrictions.
Mizell Senior Center president John Williams and Mark Marshall, the Center's 1st Vice President, were among those receiving the minimum 3 nominations. Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat is Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center and both Williams and Marshall are officers and board members employing her services. Foat's was one of the 3 council member nominations that placed her employer representatives on the prestigious Measure J Oversight Commission. Despite the obvious conflict of interest Foat failed in her duty to refrain from promoting her employers for the coveted commission appointments.
In an email to Mizell Senior Center president John Williams, with copies to both Marshall and Foat, I noted my status as a member and supporter of the Center, and my objection to Foat wearing two hats - that of a city council member and Executive Director of the Center. My objection was based on the conflict of interest actions I had observed. I subsequently posted the "Palm Springs: A Pay-To-Play City?" blog that detailed specific concerns regarding Foat's conflict of interest actions with respect to her Oversight
Commission nominees.
Neither of the Mizell Senior Center officers replied to my email. Instead a quick response was received from Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat along with a "spur of the moment" No Conflict of Interest opinion from the City Attorney. Foat and I exchanged several messages. She made clear I have absolutely no right to question her actions as Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center or as a member of the Palm Springs City Council. She referred to me, my letter and a related blog using such terms as "divisive", "mean and wrong", an "incredible insult", "designed to hurt people", an "injustice", filled with "venom", "outrageous", "laughable", "harming others", and "poison pen".
The content of Mayor Pro Tem Foat's two emails border on the uncivil and are not couched in the polite phrases one would expect of an Executive Director or a city council member. Her style is rambling, somewhat haughty and definitely reminiscent of the "kill the messenger" variety. Another remarked, after seeing the email content, that she is clearly "on a War Path". Click below to view copies of four (4) emails exchanged with Foat.
Bond Shands
May 6, 2012
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat engaged in a spirited email exchange asserting no Conflict of Interest exists with respect to her functions as a paid City Council member or salaried Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center. She claims her actions securing Measure J Oversight Commission appointments for two of her Mizell Senior Center employer representatives did not violate any legal restrictions.
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat on War Path
Palm Springs, California. City Council interviews of 42 applicants ended with council members instructed to submit their list of 11 candidates for nomination as Measure J Oversight Commission members. Those lists were then consolidated into one of 26 nominees, of which 10 each received a majority of 3 council member nominations. The council agreed to appoint the 10 as members of the new commission.Mizell Senior Center president John Williams and Mark Marshall, the Center's 1st Vice President, were among those receiving the minimum 3 nominations. Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat is Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center and both Williams and Marshall are officers and board members employing her services. Foat's was one of the 3 council member nominations that placed her employer representatives on the prestigious Measure J Oversight Commission. Despite the obvious conflict of interest Foat failed in her duty to refrain from promoting her employers for the coveted commission appointments.
In an email to Mizell Senior Center president John Williams, with copies to both Marshall and Foat, I noted my status as a member and supporter of the Center, and my objection to Foat wearing two hats - that of a city council member and Executive Director of the Center. My objection was based on the conflict of interest actions I had observed. I subsequently posted the "Palm Springs: A Pay-To-Play City?" blog that detailed specific concerns regarding Foat's conflict of interest actions with respect to her Oversight
Commission nominees.
Neither of the Mizell Senior Center officers replied to my email. Instead a quick response was received from Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat along with a "spur of the moment" No Conflict of Interest opinion from the City Attorney. Foat and I exchanged several messages. She made clear I have absolutely no right to question her actions as Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center or as a member of the Palm Springs City Council. She referred to me, my letter and a related blog using such terms as "divisive", "mean and wrong", an "incredible insult", "designed to hurt people", an "injustice", filled with "venom", "outrageous", "laughable", "harming others", and "poison pen".
The content of Mayor Pro Tem Foat's two emails border on the uncivil and are not couched in the polite phrases one would expect of an Executive Director or a city council member. Her style is rambling, somewhat haughty and definitely reminiscent of the "kill the messenger" variety. Another remarked, after seeing the email content, that she is clearly "on a War Path". Click below to view copies of four (4) emails exchanged with Foat.
Bond Shands
May 6, 2012
Click here to view/print copies of the Foat-Shands email exchange.
Click here to view/download a print copy of this blog entry.
Click here to view/download a print copy of this blog entry.
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Palm Springs: A Pay-To-Play City?
Summary:
The recommendation and vote of Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat, who is also Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center, made possible the appointment of two Center board officers to the new Measure J Oversight Commission. Ms. Foat, a Mizell Senior Center employee, failed to recuse herself from the conflict of interest inherent in her actions.
Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat is employed as the salaried Executive Director by Mizell Senior Center. At the time she was selected for the job it was understood she would not be casting her City Council vote on issues related to her employment with the Center. The act of recusing herself would protect all parties from any real or perceived conflicts of interest or similar ethics issues. It is now clear Ms. Foat has violated that understanding and has used her position on the council to satisfy the interests of her employers.
The appointment of Mizell Senior Center board president John Williams and its 1st Vice President Mark Marshall to the commission was made possible by the recommendation and vote of Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat. Mssrs. Williams and Marshall, to whom Ms. Foat reports, are her employers. She should not have recommended nor voted for either individual to be one of the members of the prestigious Measure J Oversight Commission. While both gentlemen appear qualified, the third vote needed for their appointment should have come from one of the other City Council members. Ms. Foat has a clear conflict of interest and the requirements for ethical actions by government officials should have been her guide.
Local KPSI radio broadcaster Steve Kelly has often asked on his morning Desert Today program whether Palm Springs is becoming "a Pay-To-Play city". The actions of Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat in placing her employers on the new Measure J Oversight Commission appear to speak to that question.
Bond Shands
May 4, 2012
The recommendation and vote of Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat, who is also Executive Director of Mizell Senior Center, made possible the appointment of two Center board officers to the new Measure J Oversight Commission. Ms. Foat, a Mizell Senior Center employee, failed to recuse herself from the conflict of interest inherent in her actions.
Palm Springs: A Pay-To-Play City?
Palm Springs, California. The appointments of residents to the newly created Measure J Oversight Commission have been made. While many are individuals with histories of local community service and accomplishments, it is also true most of those appointed are personal friends/supporters of City Council members. Such appointments, though political, are perfectly legal. Politics is often played as a game of winner-take-all and that's certainly the case in Palm Springs. Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat is employed as the salaried Executive Director by Mizell Senior Center. At the time she was selected for the job it was understood she would not be casting her City Council vote on issues related to her employment with the Center. The act of recusing herself would protect all parties from any real or perceived conflicts of interest or similar ethics issues. It is now clear Ms. Foat has violated that understanding and has used her position on the council to satisfy the interests of her employers.
The appointment of Mizell Senior Center board president John Williams and its 1st Vice President Mark Marshall to the commission was made possible by the recommendation and vote of Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat. Mssrs. Williams and Marshall, to whom Ms. Foat reports, are her employers. She should not have recommended nor voted for either individual to be one of the members of the prestigious Measure J Oversight Commission. While both gentlemen appear qualified, the third vote needed for their appointment should have come from one of the other City Council members. Ms. Foat has a clear conflict of interest and the requirements for ethical actions by government officials should have been her guide.
Local KPSI radio broadcaster Steve Kelly has often asked on his morning Desert Today program whether Palm Springs is becoming "a Pay-To-Play city". The actions of Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat in placing her employers on the new Measure J Oversight Commission appear to speak to that question.
Bond Shands
May 4, 2012
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Measure J Oversight Commission Interview Short List
Content:
The latest listing of candidates for the new Measure J Oversight Commission numbers twenty-six - from which nine are expected to receive appointments. Ten candidates appear to be front-runners and Downtown Business Community interests appear to hold a majority among that group. None of those active in the "No on Measure J" campaign are on the list of candidate names.
None of the 26 candidate names appeared on all 5 Councilmember lists. The following are those on the Short List of 26 names.
It seems clear the new commission will be heavily influenced by downtown business community interests. Most of their candidate application forms suggested downtown revitalization as an important use of funds. The community spheres of influence represented by the top 10 names include the "Yes on Measure J" campaign, Chamber of Commerce, P.S. Neighborhood Involvement Organizations, Downtown Business Community, P.S. Police Officers Association, the LGBT community, and personages with some degree of affluence. Only one candidate, based on actual residency and community involvement, is clearly not qualified.
The Measure J Oversight Commission ordinance was the right step to take regarding recommended and actual use of the 1% Sales Tax funds not dedicated to Desert Fashion Plaza renovation. Whether the new commission will be able to devote the remainder of the funds to city needs and areas other than downtown cannot now be answered. Some may view the breadth of the commission appointees as unrepresentative of the entire community. What is clear is almost all those topping the list are residents who care about our city for they are individuals whose past community involvements have proven their commitment and dedication.
Bond Shands
April 30, 2012
The latest listing of candidates for the new Measure J Oversight Commission numbers twenty-six - from which nine are expected to receive appointments. Ten candidates appear to be front-runners and Downtown Business Community interests appear to hold a majority among that group. None of those active in the "No on Measure J" campaign are on the list of candidate names.
Measure J Oversight Commission Interview Short List
Palm Springs, California. Members of the city council devoted substantial portions of two days to the interviews of 42 candidates for appointment to the new Measure J Oversight Commission. Afterwards each Councilmember selected 11 candidates for consideration. The 5 lists, one from each Councilmember, were consolidated into a single list of 26 names. The next step will be for the council to select 9 members plus 2 alternates for appointment.None of the 26 candidate names appeared on all 5 Councilmember lists. The following are those on the Short List of 26 names.
GROUP ONE - NAMES WITH FIVE COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
None
GROUP TWO - NAMES WITH FOUR COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
Aftab Dada - Elizabeth Glass - David Vogel
GROUP THREE - NAMES WITH THREE COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
Kristin Bloomer - Leo Cohen - Christine Hammond
Mark Marshall - Robert Moon - Kevin Towner - John Williams
GROUP FOUR - NAMES WITH TWO COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
Ted Briggs - Harry Bruce - Greg Rodriguez
Steve Rosenberg - Mark Walthour - Curt Watts
GROUP FIVE - NAMES WITH ONE COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATION
Thom Bettinger - Adam Gilbert - Terrence Jones
Bruce Kassler - Andrew Levine - Keith McCormick
Ulrich McNulty - John Stiles - Anthony Toia - Joseph Wild
It is probable the 9 commission appointments to be made will come from the top 10 names listed in groups two and three. Councilmember Lewin recommended 8 of the top 10 names; Councilmembers Foat, Hutcheson, and Mayor Pougnet each recommended 7; and Councilmember Mills recommended 4 of those now topping the list. None
GROUP TWO - NAMES WITH FOUR COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
Aftab Dada - Elizabeth Glass - David Vogel
GROUP THREE - NAMES WITH THREE COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
Kristin Bloomer - Leo Cohen - Christine Hammond
Mark Marshall - Robert Moon - Kevin Towner - John Williams
GROUP FOUR - NAMES WITH TWO COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS
Ted Briggs - Harry Bruce - Greg Rodriguez
Steve Rosenberg - Mark Walthour - Curt Watts
GROUP FIVE - NAMES WITH ONE COUNCILMEMBER RECOMMENDATION
Thom Bettinger - Adam Gilbert - Terrence Jones
Bruce Kassler - Andrew Levine - Keith McCormick
Ulrich McNulty - John Stiles - Anthony Toia - Joseph Wild
It seems clear the new commission will be heavily influenced by downtown business community interests. Most of their candidate application forms suggested downtown revitalization as an important use of funds. The community spheres of influence represented by the top 10 names include the "Yes on Measure J" campaign, Chamber of Commerce, P.S. Neighborhood Involvement Organizations, Downtown Business Community, P.S. Police Officers Association, the LGBT community, and personages with some degree of affluence. Only one candidate, based on actual residency and community involvement, is clearly not qualified.
The Measure J Oversight Commission ordinance was the right step to take regarding recommended and actual use of the 1% Sales Tax funds not dedicated to Desert Fashion Plaza renovation. Whether the new commission will be able to devote the remainder of the funds to city needs and areas other than downtown cannot now be answered. Some may view the breadth of the commission appointees as unrepresentative of the entire community. What is clear is almost all those topping the list are residents who care about our city for they are individuals whose past community involvements have proven their commitment and dedication.
Bond Shands
April 30, 2012
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Palm Springs 319% Sewer Tax Increase Proposal
Content:
After years of diverting funds from its Wastewater Fund and using them for other purposes the City of Palm Springs now asserts a tax increase is needed to pay for rehabilitation of its Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. A 319% sewer tax increase is planned that will collect more than twice the amount needed for operation and rehabilitation of sewer and treatment facilities. The current $124.32 annual tax will rise each year until it reaches $426 in 2031.
Palm Springs, California. Residents in Palm Springs currently pay a $124.32 sewer tax that's collected annually by tacking the sum onto property tax bills. The City is proposing to increase the tax nearly 20% this year and then another 20% each year through 2016 when the increase total will approximate 100% and the tax at that time will be $216. Afterwards from 2017 through 2031 there will be $12 annual increases and the top tax rate will then be $426. A public hearing has been scheduled for April 18th by the City Council. If more than 50% of the affected renters and property owners file written objections the higher tax rates will not be adopted.
All sewer tax money collected is supposed to be set aside in a special Wastewater Fund for maintenance of the treatment plant and related systems. In the past city officials have treated those monies as a slush fund and used them for many non-sewer-related purposes. Millions of fund dollars have been used for the municipal golf course (known as Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort), to build a train station, provide funds for the Redevelopment Agency, a questionable transfer of funds to the Airport, and most recently "selling" DeMuth Park to the Wastewater Fund in 2007 for $3,642,295. In November 1999 the voters passed a City Charter amendment that forbids the City from taking or loaning any cash from the Wastewater Fund and transferring it to other agencies or to pay the general fund for administration or any other purpose. Despite that Charter Amendment city officials have found creative ways to skirt the law and illegally use sewer tax monies for improper purposes. No way has yet been found to permanently stop them from misusing sewer tax money!
The sewer tax hearing notice sent to residents states the increases are to provide for "substantial rehabilitation of the treatment plant" and a $55 million cost figure is indicated. The amount of the proposed tax increase greatly exceeds the sum needed for such treatment plant rehabilitation. The twenty year tax plan will produce in excess of $308 million, a sum more than double that needed for normal operating costs and treatment plant work. Even if work on the treatment plant justified a temporary tax increase to fund it, no provision has been made to rollback the higher taxes after the work has been completed. The $426 tax rate will remain indefinitely for it has no Sunset Clause. (The recently enacted 1% Sales Tax Hike has a 25 year Sunset Clause, so precedent does exist).
An additional argument that officials make in support of increasing the sewer tax is that residents are currently paying less than the statewide average and ours should go up for that reason. It's definitely a strange assertion and one that hasn't (yet) been applied to other locally collected taxes.
Few dispute recent studies that Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities need rehabilitation. The best way to pay for the work is for city officials to replace sewer tax money that's been diverted from the Wastewater Fund for other uses. Sewer tax money should only be used for sewer and treatment facilities purposes. Until illegally diverted funds are replaced and firm guarantees exist to protect the Wastewater Fund from city officials, there should be no sewer tax increases.
The history of local sewer tax funds misuse is a sordid one, it's a tale of public official corruption, and a sad commentary on how little concern City government has for the best interests of its residents. The latest effort to increase sewer taxes by using treatment facilities rehabilitation as a smokescreen excuse is more proof the City of Palm Springs continues a tax feeding frenzy that appears without end. Cities like Palm Springs manage to violate laws, ordinances and misuse funds with impunity because only state intervention or a taxpayer lawsuit can stop them. City officials in Palm Springs have proven many times over they will invent creative ways to divert sewer tax funds away from their intended purpose and use them for other pet projects. Since no member of the current City Council appears interested in bringing a halt to misuse of funds and the constantly increasing local taxes, solutions will have to await future arrival of a better crop of council members.
Bond Shands
April 16, 2012
After years of diverting funds from its Wastewater Fund and using them for other purposes the City of Palm Springs now asserts a tax increase is needed to pay for rehabilitation of its Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. A 319% sewer tax increase is planned that will collect more than twice the amount needed for operation and rehabilitation of sewer and treatment facilities. The current $124.32 annual tax will rise each year until it reaches $426 in 2031.
Palm Springs 319% Sewer Tax Increase Proposal
All sewer tax money collected is supposed to be set aside in a special Wastewater Fund for maintenance of the treatment plant and related systems. In the past city officials have treated those monies as a slush fund and used them for many non-sewer-related purposes. Millions of fund dollars have been used for the municipal golf course (known as Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort), to build a train station, provide funds for the Redevelopment Agency, a questionable transfer of funds to the Airport, and most recently "selling" DeMuth Park to the Wastewater Fund in 2007 for $3,642,295. In November 1999 the voters passed a City Charter amendment that forbids the City from taking or loaning any cash from the Wastewater Fund and transferring it to other agencies or to pay the general fund for administration or any other purpose. Despite that Charter Amendment city officials have found creative ways to skirt the law and illegally use sewer tax monies for improper purposes. No way has yet been found to permanently stop them from misusing sewer tax money!
The sewer tax hearing notice sent to residents states the increases are to provide for "substantial rehabilitation of the treatment plant" and a $55 million cost figure is indicated. The amount of the proposed tax increase greatly exceeds the sum needed for such treatment plant rehabilitation. The twenty year tax plan will produce in excess of $308 million, a sum more than double that needed for normal operating costs and treatment plant work. Even if work on the treatment plant justified a temporary tax increase to fund it, no provision has been made to rollback the higher taxes after the work has been completed. The $426 tax rate will remain indefinitely for it has no Sunset Clause. (The recently enacted 1% Sales Tax Hike has a 25 year Sunset Clause, so precedent does exist).
An additional argument that officials make in support of increasing the sewer tax is that residents are currently paying less than the statewide average and ours should go up for that reason. It's definitely a strange assertion and one that hasn't (yet) been applied to other locally collected taxes.
Few dispute recent studies that Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities need rehabilitation. The best way to pay for the work is for city officials to replace sewer tax money that's been diverted from the Wastewater Fund for other uses. Sewer tax money should only be used for sewer and treatment facilities purposes. Until illegally diverted funds are replaced and firm guarantees exist to protect the Wastewater Fund from city officials, there should be no sewer tax increases.
The history of local sewer tax funds misuse is a sordid one, it's a tale of public official corruption, and a sad commentary on how little concern City government has for the best interests of its residents. The latest effort to increase sewer taxes by using treatment facilities rehabilitation as a smokescreen excuse is more proof the City of Palm Springs continues a tax feeding frenzy that appears without end. Cities like Palm Springs manage to violate laws, ordinances and misuse funds with impunity because only state intervention or a taxpayer lawsuit can stop them. City officials in Palm Springs have proven many times over they will invent creative ways to divert sewer tax funds away from their intended purpose and use them for other pet projects. Since no member of the current City Council appears interested in bringing a halt to misuse of funds and the constantly increasing local taxes, solutions will have to await future arrival of a better crop of council members.
Bond Shands
April 16, 2012
|
The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
"Forever Marilyn" & Other Palm Springs City Council Priorities
Content:
The "Forever Marilyn" statue, named "One Of The Worst Pieces of Public Art In The World", may soon be on its way to downtown Palm Springs. City Council Members have wrapped up $47 million in financing details for Desert Fashion Plaza renovation. And medical marijuana collectives in Palm Springs continue to receive blessings from a divided City Council. (Note: Click on underlined portions to view related documentation).
The $43 million financing program, consisting of 4.5% revenue bonds, destined for Desert Fashion Plaza renovation, includes $11 million for new streets along with repairs/maintenance needs of the plaza's underground parking structure. The remaining $32 million will go into a plaza renovation escrow account. In exchange for that $32 million the City, according to staff reports, is receiving:
The proposal to relocate the critically panned 26 foot, 34,000 pound "Forever Marilyn" statue from Chicago to Palm Springs is the brainchild of downtown business leaders. Their continual quest for tourist dollars leads them to believe a statue that's been described by critics as "atrocious", "cheesy", "kitschy", "hideous", "sexist", "shocking", "obscene" and more, will appeal to tourists with dollars to spend. The tasteless "Forever Marilyn" statue appears to meet that description though whether the anticipated financial rewards hold true remains to be seen. The statue, reportedly on lease at an estimated cost of $100 thousand, is expected to remain until Desert Fashion Plaza construction begins in late 2013 or early 2014. Its prominent location near the Palm Springs Art Museum should serve to identify ours as a community of cultural diversity and, though possibly unintended, genuine extremes.
Last year the city council decided to hike the sales tax rate one percent in order to fork over $43 million for renovation of the Desert Fashion Plaza. Developer John Wessman and friends put together a committee to convince voters to approve the sales tax rate hike, raised over $250 thousand to fund their campaign, and spent over $43 for each vote received. City Hall spent another $60 thousand encouraging voter support. In January the City loaned Mr. Wessman $500 thousand in order to stage a mock demolition party, including city council members taking symbolic sledge hammer swings, at his old Bank of America building. And now the "Forever Marilyn" statue will join the ever-growing list of spectacles and events in this continuing saga.
How will historians view this period in Palm Springs when they write about these and related occurrences? Will the time be remembered as a period of significant business community greed; one led by forward thinking visionaries; a time of public funds waste and misuse; the beginning of a Palm Springs "golden era"; a period of political corruption; or a high point that morphed into gradual decline? Will the written history of this time in Palm Springs be entertaining and fascinating - just interesting - or predictably boring?
Bond Shands
April 12, 2012
The "Forever Marilyn" statue, named "One Of The Worst Pieces of Public Art In The World", may soon be on its way to downtown Palm Springs. City Council Members have wrapped up $47 million in financing details for Desert Fashion Plaza renovation. And medical marijuana collectives in Palm Springs continue to receive blessings from a divided City Council. (Note: Click on underlined portions to view related documentation).
"Forever Marilyn & Other Palm Springs City Council Priorities
Palm Springs, California. This week's City Council meeting saw approval of a new $47 million financing program to fund the previously agreed upon transfer of $43 million in taxpayer funds for Desert Fashion Plaza renovation. The council also approved issues related to medical marijuana cooperative permits, and indicated unanimous support for local business leaders to bring the huge "Forever Marilyn" statue to Palm Springs for temporary display at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon. Other issues of significance, including foreign policy and military objectives, will have to await future meetings.The $43 million financing program, consisting of 4.5% revenue bonds, destined for Desert Fashion Plaza renovation, includes $11 million for new streets along with repairs/maintenance needs of the plaza's underground parking structure. The remaining $32 million will go into a plaza renovation escrow account. In exchange for that $32 million the City, according to staff reports, is receiving:
- (1) Ownership of over 1,000 underground parking spaces (just the "air space", not the land);
- (2) Land sufficient to allow the Palm Springs Art Museum to expand on site;
- (3) Some public restrooms in the downtown area.
The proposal to relocate the critically panned 26 foot, 34,000 pound "Forever Marilyn" statue from Chicago to Palm Springs is the brainchild of downtown business leaders. Their continual quest for tourist dollars leads them to believe a statue that's been described by critics as "atrocious", "cheesy", "kitschy", "hideous", "sexist", "shocking", "obscene" and more, will appeal to tourists with dollars to spend. The tasteless "Forever Marilyn" statue appears to meet that description though whether the anticipated financial rewards hold true remains to be seen. The statue, reportedly on lease at an estimated cost of $100 thousand, is expected to remain until Desert Fashion Plaza construction begins in late 2013 or early 2014. Its prominent location near the Palm Springs Art Museum should serve to identify ours as a community of cultural diversity and, though possibly unintended, genuine extremes.
Last year the city council decided to hike the sales tax rate one percent in order to fork over $43 million for renovation of the Desert Fashion Plaza. Developer John Wessman and friends put together a committee to convince voters to approve the sales tax rate hike, raised over $250 thousand to fund their campaign, and spent over $43 for each vote received. City Hall spent another $60 thousand encouraging voter support. In January the City loaned Mr. Wessman $500 thousand in order to stage a mock demolition party, including city council members taking symbolic sledge hammer swings, at his old Bank of America building. And now the "Forever Marilyn" statue will join the ever-growing list of spectacles and events in this continuing saga.
How will historians view this period in Palm Springs when they write about these and related occurrences? Will the time be remembered as a period of significant business community greed; one led by forward thinking visionaries; a time of public funds waste and misuse; the beginning of a Palm Springs "golden era"; a period of political corruption; or a high point that morphed into gradual decline? Will the written history of this time in Palm Springs be entertaining and fascinating - just interesting - or predictably boring?
Bond Shands
April 12, 2012
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Palm Springs Board & Commission Appointment Vacancies
Content:
Palm Springs City Council has invited residents to apply for appointment to vacancies on Boards and Commissions. A looming application deadline coupled with the requirement of having attended two committee meetings significantly limits the invitation to just a prepared few. An earlier notice would have better served the process. Those newly interested will probably have to wait another year.
Palm Springs, California. More than a dozen Boards and Commissions, staffed by resident registered voters, exist to advise the Palm Springs City Council. The City has announced applications for this year's round of Board and Commission appointments are now invited. The submission deadline is Tuesday, April 10th. Nothing in the recent announcement indicates why such short notice has been provided.
The following listing, from the City website, are the openings for which applications are being sought:
The City has an excellent Boards and Commissions website page that lists and describes the function of each Board and Commission. It also provides two application form types: one for downloading and printing; and another that may be filled out online. The content of the two are not mirror images and the online version includes an information listing of "Factors To Be Considered" when the applicant is evaluated.
One requirement for appointment is that applicants attend at least two committee meetings and list those meeting dates on their application form. This obviously requires advance planning and applicants who have not attended recent committee meetings probably should not expect to be considered for an appointment during the current period. Those who are newly interested in service on a Board or Commission may find it worthwhile to review the information on the City's Boards and Commissions website page and then plan ahead for next year's application process.
The City's April 5th "Palm Springs City Council Invites Residents to Apply for Boards and Commissions" press release, while well intended, missed its mark. In order to provide the best service residents should be advised earlier, possibly in January of each year, of the application process and its committee meeting attendance requirements. That earlier date would serve to make the application invitation not only useful, it would also provide it with an appearance of intentional sincerity.
Bond Shands
April 7, 2012
Correction Note: The reference about requiring an applicant to attend two committee meetings is incorrect. Attendance at only one meeting is the requirement.
Click here to view or download a copy of the Commission and Board Descriptions.
Click here to view or download a listing of current Board and Commission Members.
Palm Springs City Council has invited residents to apply for appointment to vacancies on Boards and Commissions. A looming application deadline coupled with the requirement of having attended two committee meetings significantly limits the invitation to just a prepared few. An earlier notice would have better served the process. Those newly interested will probably have to wait another year.
Palm Springs Board & Commission Appointment Vacancies
Palm Springs, California. More than a dozen Boards and Commissions, staffed by resident registered voters, exist to advise the Palm Springs City Council. The City has announced applications for this year's round of Board and Commission appointments are now invited. The submission deadline is Tuesday, April 10th. Nothing in the recent announcement indicates why such short notice has been provided.
The following listing, from the City website, are the openings for which applications are being sought:
Board and Commission Openings for Terms Starting July, 2012
- Administrative Appeals Board - 3 positions - 2 vacancies
- Airport Commission - 4 positions - 2 members are eligible for reappointment
- Board of Appeals - 2 positions - 2 vacancies (no term limits)
- Board of Library Trustees - 2 positions - 2 members are eligible for reappointment
- BID Advisory Board - 4 positions - 3 vacancies, 1 member eligible for reappointment
- Historic Site Board - 3 positions - 1 vacancy
- Human Rights Commission - 3 positions - 1 vacancy, 2 members eligible for reappointment
- Parks & Recreation Commission - 3 positions - 1 vacancy, 1 member eligible for reappointment
- Planning Commission - 2 positions - 1 member is eligible for reappointment
- Public Arts Commission - 3 positions - 2 vacancies, 1 member eligible for reappointment
- Rent Review Commission - 3 positions - 3 vacancies
- Sustainability Commission - 6 positions - 3 vacancies, 3 members eligible for reappointment
- VillageFest Board - 1 position - 1 member is eligible for reappointment
The City has an excellent Boards and Commissions website page that lists and describes the function of each Board and Commission. It also provides two application form types: one for downloading and printing; and another that may be filled out online. The content of the two are not mirror images and the online version includes an information listing of "Factors To Be Considered" when the applicant is evaluated.
One requirement for appointment is that applicants attend at least two committee meetings and list those meeting dates on their application form. This obviously requires advance planning and applicants who have not attended recent committee meetings probably should not expect to be considered for an appointment during the current period. Those who are newly interested in service on a Board or Commission may find it worthwhile to review the information on the City's Boards and Commissions website page and then plan ahead for next year's application process.
The City's April 5th "Palm Springs City Council Invites Residents to Apply for Boards and Commissions" press release, while well intended, missed its mark. In order to provide the best service residents should be advised earlier, possibly in January of each year, of the application process and its committee meeting attendance requirements. That earlier date would serve to make the application invitation not only useful, it would also provide it with an appearance of intentional sincerity.
Bond Shands
April 7, 2012
Correction Note: The reference about requiring an applicant to attend two committee meetings is incorrect. Attendance at only one meeting is the requirement.
Click here to view or download a copy of the Commission and Board Descriptions.
Click here to view or download a listing of current Board and Commission Members.
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The Desert
Political Opinion Blog Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Mayor Pougnet Challenged To Sit For Interview
Palm Springs, California. Mayor Steve Pougnet is promoting the "1st Annual Mayor's Healthy Planet-Healthy You Race and Fitness festival to fight childhood obesity" 5k and 7 mile walk or race fundraiser in Palm Springs. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 21st, at Ruth Hardy Park. Registrations must be made by April 17th and may be made online at www.active.com.
KPSI Newstalk AM 920 radio host Steve Kelly has challenged the mayor to appear on his program. In exchange Kelly has promised to complete the 5k course by strolling the entire 3.1 mile, 5,456 yard, 16,368 foot route - practically nonstop - without assistance. Rumors that Kelly uses an electric cart to move between his office desk and the comfort facilities have never been verified. His appearance with or without a support team in the walker/stroller/doggie friendly marathon is of keen interest among the Newstalk groupie community.
Will other local broadcast celebrity hosts step up to the plate and issue their own challenges to the mayor?
K-News Radio's Bulldog Bill Feingold and his trusty sidekick Kevin Holmes work late hours and may find a Saturday morning 8 am walker/stroller/doggie friendly start time intimidating. Will KNEWS FM 94.3's Bulldog issue a challenge to the mayor to appear on his program in exchange for Feingold and Holmes promise to participate in the childhood obesity fundraiser?
The Lee Rayburn Show on K-News Radio fearlessly takes on local current political issues and personages weekday afternoons. None are safe from his persistent and sometimes daunting search for answers. Will Mayor Steve Pougnet accept a challenge to appear on his program in exchange for Rayburn's promise to run or walk either the 5k or 7 mile fundraiser?
How about other valley media celebrity types? Will others be willing to challenge the mayor to sit for an interview in exchange for their promise of support and participation in the April 21st childhood obesity fundraiser and festival? How many hosts will be accompanied by a support team? Are any in shape to finish a 5k or 7 mile course?
Bond Shands
April 2, 2012
KPSI Newstalk AM 920 radio host Steve Kelly has challenged the mayor to appear on his program. In exchange Kelly has promised to complete the 5k course by strolling the entire 3.1 mile, 5,456 yard, 16,368 foot route - practically nonstop - without assistance. Rumors that Kelly uses an electric cart to move between his office desk and the comfort facilities have never been verified. His appearance with or without a support team in the walker/stroller/doggie friendly marathon is of keen interest among the Newstalk groupie community.
Will other local broadcast celebrity hosts step up to the plate and issue their own challenges to the mayor?
K-News Radio's Bulldog Bill Feingold and his trusty sidekick Kevin Holmes work late hours and may find a Saturday morning 8 am walker/stroller/doggie friendly start time intimidating. Will KNEWS FM 94.3's Bulldog issue a challenge to the mayor to appear on his program in exchange for Feingold and Holmes promise to participate in the childhood obesity fundraiser?
The Lee Rayburn Show on K-News Radio fearlessly takes on local current political issues and personages weekday afternoons. None are safe from his persistent and sometimes daunting search for answers. Will Mayor Steve Pougnet accept a challenge to appear on his program in exchange for Rayburn's promise to run or walk either the 5k or 7 mile fundraiser?
How about other valley media celebrity types? Will others be willing to challenge the mayor to sit for an interview in exchange for their promise of support and participation in the April 21st childhood obesity fundraiser and festival? How many hosts will be accompanied by a support team? Are any in shape to finish a 5k or 7 mile course?
Bond Shands
April 2, 2012
|
The Desert
Political Opinion Blog
Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |
Palm Springs City Hall Petty Cash Heist Cover-up
Content:
Embarrassed city officials neglected to inform the public that City Hall had been burglarized over the weekend. The occurrence was not reported until more than three days had passed. The days of Pony Express communications are behind us. We live in an age of telephones, fax, Internet email and the U.S. Postal Service. A three-day delay in news reaching the public can't be blamed on a communications delivery failure. A better explanation is needed.
Palm Springs, California. Today's "Thieves take cash in Palm Springs City Hall heist" story in the local paper reported a break-in and theft of petty cash at City Hall sometime over the past weekend (either Saturday or Sunday). The break-in was not reported on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and not until yesterday were details made public. Had it not been for the excellent investigative journalism work of newsroom mainstay Mr/Ms Staff Reports, the entire tragic occurrence would have remained concealed.
Apparently Staff Reports was unsuccessful in obtaining quotes from City Hall officials and the story content is based on a news release from the Police Department. Although City Hall has an excellent media staff who daily (if not hourly) churn out press release notices every time the mayor changes his shirt, the lack of an official response from them must surely be viewed as a cover-up. Theft of city funds is not only a serious crime, it is one about which the public needs to be informed. The petty cash supply is part of the General Fund and its theft will have budgetary implications. Cutbacks in city services will surely follow and its certain there will be a reduced amount of funds available for purchase of staples, paper clips and number two pencils. If funds are not recovered, budget cutbacks or higher taxes will be the only possible solutions.
The Police Department is across and down the street from City Hall. Their proximity may make them another potential petty cash heist target. It may be advisable for both locations to join the Neighborhood Watch program in an effort to prevent future break-ins and thefts. Police personnel responsible for advising the Neighborhood Involvement Organizations about crime prevention and protection of private property should be asked to address City Hall officials, as well. A strong Neighborhood Watch program could do wonders in terms of protecting civic center government offices from events of this type. And, of course, City Hall staff should always call the police department and report thefts and break-ins. Such reports not only start the investigative process, they also contribute to important policing statistics.
While police investigators work to apprehend those responsible for the theft, the Petty Cash Heist Cover-up needs to be investigated by officials in City Hall. Surely the matter is one destined for the next City Council meeting agenda. It may be necessary to create a new commission to investigate the cover-up. Appointment of citizens to sit on the new Petty Cash Heist Cover-up Investigative Commission may require a city-wide candidate recruitment process. And, of serious importance, the opinions of city officials need to be uncovered so residents may become better informed and convinced their best interests are being protected.
Bond Shands
March 30, 2012
Embarrassed city officials neglected to inform the public that City Hall had been burglarized over the weekend. The occurrence was not reported until more than three days had passed. The days of Pony Express communications are behind us. We live in an age of telephones, fax, Internet email and the U.S. Postal Service. A three-day delay in news reaching the public can't be blamed on a communications delivery failure. A better explanation is needed.
Palm Springs City Hall Petty Cash Heist Cover-up
Palm Springs, California. Today's "Thieves take cash in Palm Springs City Hall heist" story in the local paper reported a break-in and theft of petty cash at City Hall sometime over the past weekend (either Saturday or Sunday). The break-in was not reported on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and not until yesterday were details made public. Had it not been for the excellent investigative journalism work of newsroom mainstay Mr/Ms Staff Reports, the entire tragic occurrence would have remained concealed.
Apparently Staff Reports was unsuccessful in obtaining quotes from City Hall officials and the story content is based on a news release from the Police Department. Although City Hall has an excellent media staff who daily (if not hourly) churn out press release notices every time the mayor changes his shirt, the lack of an official response from them must surely be viewed as a cover-up. Theft of city funds is not only a serious crime, it is one about which the public needs to be informed. The petty cash supply is part of the General Fund and its theft will have budgetary implications. Cutbacks in city services will surely follow and its certain there will be a reduced amount of funds available for purchase of staples, paper clips and number two pencils. If funds are not recovered, budget cutbacks or higher taxes will be the only possible solutions.
The Police Department is across and down the street from City Hall. Their proximity may make them another potential petty cash heist target. It may be advisable for both locations to join the Neighborhood Watch program in an effort to prevent future break-ins and thefts. Police personnel responsible for advising the Neighborhood Involvement Organizations about crime prevention and protection of private property should be asked to address City Hall officials, as well. A strong Neighborhood Watch program could do wonders in terms of protecting civic center government offices from events of this type. And, of course, City Hall staff should always call the police department and report thefts and break-ins. Such reports not only start the investigative process, they also contribute to important policing statistics.
While police investigators work to apprehend those responsible for the theft, the Petty Cash Heist Cover-up needs to be investigated by officials in City Hall. Surely the matter is one destined for the next City Council meeting agenda. It may be necessary to create a new commission to investigate the cover-up. Appointment of citizens to sit on the new Petty Cash Heist Cover-up Investigative Commission may require a city-wide candidate recruitment process. And, of serious importance, the opinions of city officials need to be uncovered so residents may become better informed and convinced their best interests are being protected.
Bond Shands
March 30, 2012
|
The Desert
Political Opinion Blog
Note: In order to control SPAM the comment-awaiting-approval feature has been activated here. I value feedback, positive or negative, and am interested in learning the views of others. Comments posted on the website by actual viewers will not be suppressed. Those sent via email remain confidential unless the content otherwise specifies. Please feel free to forward blog copies to others. Copyright Bond Shands - P.O. Box 4826, Palm Springs, CA 92263 - Reproduction with attribution permitted. |