At the 105th annual League of California Cities conference this
week in Sacramento, six Hollister officials are among thousands
pushing to enact legislation that would weaken the state’s power to
take local jurisdictions’ money.
The issue has remained a bitter topic for local leaders in San
Benito County and throughout the state this year, according to City
Manager Dale Shaddox. California government has
”
stolen
”
billions of dollars from cities such as Hollister to compensate
for the state’s budget deficit, he said.
At the 105th annual League of California Cities conference this week in Sacramento, six Hollister officials are among thousands pushing to enact legislation that would weaken the state’s power to take local jurisdictions’ money.
The issue has remained a bitter topic for local leaders in San Benito County and throughout the state this year, according to City Manager Dale Shaddox. California government has “stolen” billions of dollars from cities such as Hollister to compensate for the state’s budget deficit, he said.
If the currently proposed state budget receives approval, Hollister’s share of local cuts would be about $1 million.
“This year (the conference) is especially critical because of money matters and our relationship with the state,” said Shaddox from Sacramento.
At the conference running Sunday through Wednesday, a proposed statewide ballot measure to control California government’s spending habits has been a focus among local leaders, according to Hollister officials at the event. It is expected to appear on the November 2004 election ballot.
“It seems unanimous,” Shaddox said. “Cities are ready to get on board, with the state continuing to steal our money.”
Shaddox and four Council members are in the state capital representing Hollister. Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia said “personal reasons” kept her from attending.
Local leaders will vote Wednesday to approve one of three options for the measure, according to Shaddox. They include mandating the state legislator to garner a two-thirds vote to transfer local money; a public vote for all policies regarding local dollars; or to ban the state altogether from using those funds.
“I’d like to see that initiative pass because I think we need to stop the state from robbing the cities,” Councilman Robert Scattini said Monday.
Of greatest value for Hollister officials has been the overall “education” of the exposition, said Councilman Tony Bruscia, who is also the president of the League’s Monterey Bay Division.
Shaddox, who has worked in city government for 30 years, is attending his 15th conference. Each year, the City of Hollister sends representatives and the mayor selects a voting delegate. This year, Scattini was chosen, with Councilman Tony LoBue as the alternate.
The five city representatives have been attending several presentations. Bruscia even guided one about health care issues relating to human resources departments.
To maximize the conference’s benefits, the Hollister officials planned to separate throughout each day and compare notes afterward.
Scattini attended a law enforcement session Monday. While Shaddox went to a presentation on attracting retail businesses to cities and another on investing in downtowns.
“And that’s exactly what we’re about to do this winter,” said Shaddox, referring to Hollister’s planned upcoming downtown improvements, including sidewalk renovations, tree replacements and new benches.
Hollister officials have also been meeting with the local state leaders, including state Sen. Jeff Denham, R–Salinas, and Assemblyman Simon Salinas, D–Salinas, on issues such as Highway 25.
“It gives us an opportunity to interact with legislators,” Mayor Brian Conroy said.
