Yes, it is a new year

Guess how the mayor ushered in the new year for the city of Benicia? With an agenda item saying, “The City of Benicia is an inclusive city for all our residents and business.” That’s fine, except I do believe we already are. Then she goes on to make a political statement, stating “With the national attention on immigrants and undocumented residents, it is important to reaffirm our inclusiveness.” Real meaning: the mayor wants Benicia to join in and become a sanctuary city. Does the mayor want our Police Department to break the law? That is how I see it. I do believe the residents should understand that is not why the mayor was re-elected. It was on crude by rail, and that is over. It is now time to move on to the very important issue of financial stability and responsibility of the City Council to make this happen. Her agenda item was and is a waste of time. Get to the real issues, Mayor Patterson. The city is looking at an increase in the city share of CalPers. Does the mayor want to pass this considerable amount on to our very loyal city employees? Make these wonderful employees pay part of the city share, plus their own share. Not good. Waste water treatment is another issue. There has been no confirmation that Valero will participate, nor do we have funding in place. It could well be the mayor wants this and expects Valero to pay more than their fair share or just charge the users. We all know that water is the mayor’s big issue. Economic development should be her only big issue. Mark my words: the Measure C money will in the very near future go in total to the general fund to keep this city afloat. It will not go for its intended use. You know: streets, sidewalks, potholes, etc. That will go down the drain. Could it be that this wonderful city under the mayor’s leadership is looking at another big cut in employees, salary and benefits. Just how much can the city employees take? Believe me not much more. The mayor must understand the situation this city is in, and she is unable to understand that and has no answers. Just how much more will the residents take of this poor leadership with little concern for the future of this very fine city? Believe me, not much more. The Industrial Park is a big issue but the mayor wants a Climate Action Plan co-ordinator on the payroll. Where is the money? Next she will go after Valero on the new air quality rules. You know Valero our Good Neighbor. That is not how the mayor sees Valero. She appears to wish they were not here. I will let the mayor answer that. Finance is not the mayor’s long suit. Personal political concerns are her only concern. This past election cemented her true ID. She is very anti- President-elect Trump with her own seemingly socialist progressive views. She does have a partner on the council. I do not see that lasting very long with her condescending approach to the new councilmember. I am very thankful that we have three very clear thinking councilmembers still on the council. Let’s hope these three can get the mayor back on the right track. Mayor, it is very simple. Finance and economical development. Change hats and get away from your planning years. We have city employees for that. Start to take a leadership role in this fine city’s future. Mayor Patterson, it is up to you. Are you up to it? The “Owl” will be watching.

Bob “The Owl” Livesay,
Benicia

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