It was sad to see the city of Lompoc employees get their “pink slips” this month. This action is due to the shortcomings of the three City Council members—Jim Mosby, Dirk Starbuck, and Victor Vega—who do not understand the city budget process. They cut the city services to the tune of $3 million at the expense of longtime city employees. Despite these shortcomings, these three refuse to take any advice from the city manager and his financial assistants. During the last budget cycle, there were more cuts and an attempt to pass a general sales tax that was thwarted by them. This action cost the city. Now, the three push the same shortsighted actions. The city needs more funds immediately, and the only way is by passing a general sales tax as soon as possible, preferably in 2019. Otherwise, the city will become more unsafe and our property values will suffer. Higher insurance rates will be required on property, and new development will cease. Now is the time to act.
Justin M. Ruhge
Lompoc
This article appears in Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2019.
