Misplaced blame
The Herald published a snide ad from Valero on Tuesday, unbecoming to a corporation, stooping to accusations of our city officials who work so hard to represent the electorate and assure us that the city is governed by good stewardship. There is no need to take on our Mayor, as though she alone is responsible for Valero’s troubles. It is her job to pay attention to the details of things like the refinery outage, and we should be grateful that she does.
When there is something to hide, the real issues get sidestepped and overshadowed. Large corporations tend to overwhelm good citizens with big ads; individuals get excoriated for behavior for which they are not responsible; citizens are reminded of only the good that a corporation does and how well that company abides by the rules. There is often another layer that needs exposing.
Come on, Valero. I doubt that it is all Mayor Patterson and PG&E’s fault. Let’s encourage this potential ISO so that everyone is informed of the facts instead of getting snowed by your expensive ads and your good deeds.
Susan Street,
Benicia
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Very biased comment. There is no question where the mayor stands on Valero. She knows their safety record and good deeds. Refuses to acknowledge them. Only harps on Valero instead of doing a proper investigation on what happens. It was very clear at the meeting on Tuesday night Nov. 14th that there is no need for an ISO in Benicia or Solano county. A member of the panel stated that CCC ISO mirrored the State ISO. Also stated was that the Solano County folks are also being trained like the folks in Contra Costa County Health and Hazardous Material Officer. For over fourteen years and possible more the Mayor has made her agenda driven ideals and motives very clear. Very anti big oil, big business and wishes Valero was not in Benicia. I do not think the Mayor is at all interest it what is good for the local citizens. She wants to tell you what’s good for you. That is how the mayor acts. It was about time she got taken on big time. Believe me it is not over.
Nobody feels sorry for large corporations. Suck it up Valero.
I do believe Valero has sucked it up. They are very well run corporation. Their safety and health record is the best in the State ,of California. It is time for the Mayor to suck it up and became a partner with Valero to resolve any issues. Mayor Patterson become a friend not only to Valero but do a good deed for the residents. Do not blame others as you have always done. Work together to resolve any city issues. On that subject you are very weak and driven by your own personal ideals not the very fine residents of this city.
The ISO ,is clearly ,about reporting. The BAAQM is about regulations. The mayor says it would be helpful for Valero to sit down with the city and say, “This is what we could do…” Then she gives them two choices. That is not a sit down that is an order coming from the mayor. Mayor Patterson the communications from Valero and the City comes from you as Mayor. You have done nothing except make an enemy out of Valero. You state the two choices as an order and expect anyone to want and sit down with you. You have already played your hand and it is not the high hand. It is very clear you want Valero gone from Benicia. Be very careful Mayor Patterson on what you wish for. Your approach is putting this city in a very dangerous position. It is Mayor Patterson not Valero who is at fault.
Mayor Patterson came to my door during one of her campaigns. I asked her about Valero. She is no friend of Valero and views 5ne company with contempt.
I shudder with the idea of Valeroleaving town. 50% of our tax base. Arrogance is a problem and the mayor should check her sin.
That’s right…its all about the money and not the safety.
Valero is a dangerous, ageing, chemistry set. An accident waiting to happen.
Then why is VALERO RATED THE SAFEST REFINERY in California. I assume you also think the four refineries in Contra Costa County are also an accident waiting to happen. Those four refineries are all about 100 years old. Valero is about 50 years old. What about the train bridge that AmTrac uses to across the straits. It is about 88 years old. Does it also have to go. Anything else we should tear down I assume you are in favor of demo the two old buildings on the Amport property and also the State Capitol building. It appears to me you may be anti big oil, fossil fuel and big business. I do believe you are wrong on Valero.
What you state is incorrect. But let’s assume it’s true for one second. What is your conclusion? Do you advocate shutting Valero down? And if yes, how do you propose finding the revenues lost?
Good or bad, Valero funds this city. It pays for the services we enjoy and need. If you want to call it “it’s all about the money”, go ahead. I call it … it’s about our lifestyle and community.
Are you referring to me Bob Livesay or Don Black?
Don Black
Thank you. I thought that was the case.
Susan would you prefer Valero to stop its good deeds? No you do not. You will take the money from their good deeds and give them no credit. Remember Susan Valero is your friend not your enemy. If the Mayor is unwilling to take the blame then she should stop talking about her leadership skills. She has none and everything Valero is talking about is true Her leadership her responsibilities. Susan the residents cannot be fooled and the Mayor must stop blaming others. She does it all the time.