Letters to the editor: June 10, 2009

Open Letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:

Sir:

Here in Shasta County, we have logically and methodically managed the assets of our bosses, the people of Shasta County.

Two years ago, we looked ahead and could clearly see that there were financial challenges on the horizon.

We reduced our county work force by nearly 200 positions through a soft hiring freeze and by attrition. Anticipating shortages from the state and decreased revenue, we asked all departments to further reduce expenses by 10 percent. We even got rid of bottled water saving more than $25,000 annually.

While $25,000 may not seem like much, Governor, my point is this: all county expenses have been and remain subject to review.

We have set priorities, identified areas of concern, communicated with the public and with our work force and we continue to take full responsibility as revenue sources decline.

While we were carefully limiting expenses and reducing our workforce, you were still discussing ways to spend even more money and increase your workforce.

While we used our limited resources wisely and planned for the future, you ignored the obvious and continued spending and borrowing from our future.

Shasta County is not rolling in dough, but we are holding our heads above water.

We can handle reduced state spending. No, we don't like it, but we recognize the necessity.

What we cannot handle is your decision to take $6.3 million dollars right out of our bank account. You might as well hand us a lead life vest!

You call it borrowing. You say that we (Shasta County) will be partially repaid with interest.

I call it stealing.

You don't have the ability to pay your bills now and I don't believe you will have the ability to repay this loan with interest.

Meanwhile, Shasta County and all counties will be forced to pay the ultimate price for your mismanagement.

So what do I want Governor?

I want the Shasta County District Attorney to issue a warrant for your arrest. After all, grand theft is a crime.

Of course, I don't really expect that is even a remote possibility, but it sure makes me feel better suggesting it!

The counties just cannot take another hit for you.

Do the right thing, Governor.

Do not balance your budget by placing this struggling county and the rest of California's counties in an even more precarious financial position.

Remember, Sir, when you steal from the county, you steal from the widows. You steal from the homeless. You steal from the veterans. You steal from every man, woman and child that we, the county, works so hard to serve.

The bottom line is this, Governor: Your proposal to suspend Proposition 1A, steal our local tax revenue and borrow your way out of your current fiscal mess on the backs of counties will not solve your budget problem, but will have a devastating impact on local government.

We cannot sustain a permanent take of gas tax funds. The elimination of CalWORKs may help solve your problem, but it places the entire burden on the county. You continue to mandate services and yet you propose a major shift of local revenue to the state.

We are working diligently to do our job, Governor.

Man up and do yours.

Les Baugh, Supervisor, District V

Shasta County Board of Supervisors

Editor

The recent witch hunt in Anderson is clearly another move by the Anderson City Council/Fire Board, (as they are largely the same politicians), to abuse what little power they have wrongfully appointed to themselves.

When is this community going to join the 21st Century?

When I think of the good people (that) some of the arrogant leaders of this community have persecuted for their own gain, it makes me physically ill.

Let me guess: Chief (Joe) Piccinini dared defy one of the Board when asked to bend the rules for a friend. Or maybe he just isn't a very good "yes man." Perhaps he doesn't ask permission to do his job.

The timing alone tells me that this Board has no concern for the citizens of Anderson.

Why on earth would you start this nonsense at the beginning of fire season?

How is it a man who spent more than 25 years as Fire Chief of a major city with no troubles is suddenly being thrown to the wolves in tiny little Anderson?

It is time to throw out the trash, and I do not mean the Fire Chief.

Tina Skyles,

Anderson

Editor:

I am extremely appalled at the lack of patriotism in the community of Anderson and surrounding areas.

Every holiday that should have an American flag out, mine is up and proudly flying. The lack of others is entirely visible and upsetting to say the least. This last Memorial Day showed the lack of respect for this country and those who have put their lives on the line and the hundreds who lost their lives for us.

Do Americans not remember what Memorial Day is all about? Do they only think of it as a day to get out of work or school? It's no wonder the children of today have no respect for their flag and country when their own parents have none.

What about the American flags that are up day and night, dirty, torn and tattered? Also, those that fly day and night but at night have no light shining on them.

Do the people of this community know that the sun should never set on the American flag . . . ever! It should be up at sunrise and brought down at sunset . . . unless, there is a light shining on it. Then it can stay up. Or do they not care?

Maybe you should put a schedule in the paper showing people when to raise the American flag since most have forgotten. Maybe then, we may see if Americans believe in this country and what the American flag stands for.

This is not only a duty we perform out of respect, but an honor to show that we respect America and ourselves as Americans. Shame on this community and those who live here that do not have the respect and honor for this country, regardless of party affiliations or lack thereof.

I apologize to all of our veterans of all wars and those who are fighting for our country today for the lack of support and the respect that this community lacks. I am really surprised the American Legion and VFW members are not up in arms as much as I am.

If we, as Americans, don't show respect and pride in our country, I can see why other countries don't.

Let's see those flags flying . . . Americans!

Elizabeth Miche

Anderson