Our state, our county, and our city are all in financial
trouble. Jobs are being cut in all areas. Budgets are in serious
trouble. What is the reason?
By Nevada Thomas
Our state, our county, and our city are all in financial trouble. Jobs are being cut in all areas. Budgets are in serious trouble. What is the reason?
I can remember when the state legislators ran because they were deeply concerned in doing what is best for the state and its people. Persons ran for a job on the city council to do what was best for the city. The supervisors were people who had a deep concern on what was best for the county. In all cases the welfare of the group they represented had top priority.
Also in the “Good Old Days” they didn’t run for the job because of the salary and extra benefits. They didn’t have medical or retirement benefits. My dad, when he was supervisor, received $100 dollars per month, during the hard times it was out to $50. When they went to meetings out of town, they used their own transportation and covered food and lodging. They gave freely of their time, taking care of management of roads in their district. I guess those were really the “Good Old Days.”
Thousands weren’t spent on elections. Money didn’t buy favors. And even went times were tough, budgets meant something.
Just stop and think, if the same went on in all 58 counties in California and the 50 states in the U.S. and Washington D.C. that would be part of the answer why we have “budget” problems.
We should have people who have invested in the area they represent and want it preserved. Not for the money or prestige.
Before you vote next time, stop and think is this the person who will do what is best for all and not just a special few and will say no when there is no money. Live within the budget without more taxes. Do what families have to do when money is short.
Nevada Thomas is a San Benito County resident.
