I moved to this state almost 17 years ago and have had the privilege of bouncing from Bakersfield to Orange County to here on the Central Coast. It is with some sadness that I am leaving the state for good at the end of February.
In truth the loss of my job was only the final catalyst in pushing me to make this move. In my time here, I’ve seen the cost of rent almost triple, the cost of my utilities more than double, and my sales taxes increase inch by inch.
In my time I’ve seen Democrats gain a super majority in the state Senate that will allow for them to increase taxes since they are now unanswerable to any but themselves. I’ve seen public sector pensions not being managed to maximize profits, but to be used for political correctness. But no one cares since any shortfall will be passed along to taxpayers.
In my time I’ve seen governors more interested in dumping our precious water to save a few fish than to guard against drought. I’ve seen governors guarantee PG&E a certain profit instead of open competition that has jacked up my rates while a lot of the rest of the country has lowered theirs. And finally, I’ve seen a governor basically declare our entire state to be a sanctuary city.
This state has bled me dry financially in every way it could while it dreams up new ways, and I just can’t do this anymore. I can see it will never be enough so I’m leaving while I still have barely enough to get out of the state. I am sorry to have to leave you, but if I were being truthful, it feels like you left me behind a long time ago.
