The election is coming up in just a few weeks, and our local election is so important! You’ve probably seen former Councilmember Jim Mosby’s signs around town as he attempts to reinvent himself as the “public safety” candidate. Ironically, this is the same former official who decimated our public safety sector when he was the leading voice of the council majority.
You don’t have to take my word for it; read the 2021 Santa Barbara grand jury report on the Lompoc Police Department titled “Moving Toward a Safe and Proud Community.” It breaks down (in detail) the horrific decisions that led to a big jump in crime and the loss of valuable staff. This report is damning. The decisions to essentially defund public safety (initially led by former Mayor John Linn followed by Jim Mosby) often came down to a 3-2 vote. We are still feeling the impacts.
Mr. Mosby is now trying to place the blame for all of these problems on current Mayor Jenelle Osborne. Keep in mind that the Lompoc mayor has no special powers. The majority always rules at City Council.
When I was elected over Jim Mosby in 2020 (by almost 20 percent), a new council majority took shape. This majority has been led by Mayor Osborne. Since the start of 2021, we are almost fully staffed at our Police Department. And thanks to 5-0 votes on our current budget, and a new cannabis tax on manufacturing, we are starting to see improvements in Lompoc.
In less than two years, the current City Council has allocated millions of dollars toward building back our public safety sector. In addition, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to improve and sustain the quality of our parks. We have a long way to go, but this council has worked extremely well together to achieve these goals.
Jim Mosby is misleading Lompoc residents about public safety. Consider this: If he really was the public safety candidate, why are the Lompoc police and fire departments endorsing Jenelle Osborne for mayor?
Even though challenges remain, I’m proud of the direction that we are heading under Mayor Osborne’s leadership. I wholeheartedly give her my endorsement.
Jeremy Ball
Lompoc City Council member
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 3, 2022.