I encourage locals to vote yes on Measure U to restore and maintain essential city services.
I can attest from personal experience that the city of Santa Maria has repeatedly cut its workforce and expenses, but still is unable to fund all essential services. I have worked for the city 21 years. Most employees have not had a pay raise since January 2009, and employees have agreed to wage concessions for the past three years—because we understand this financial crisis and are doing our part to help.
Even with these significant steps, revenues remain insufficient, resulting in unfunded police officer positions and the inability to hire needed firefighters. This is why Measure U is so important to the future safety of our community.
This article appears in May 24-31, 2012.