Governor Looks To Eliminate Redevelopment Agencies
— by Jeffrey Wisniewski — 10 January 2011 — 2 comments below »
New Governor Jerry Brown is proposing the elimination of all redevelopment agencies in the state in an effort to close the gigantic budget deficit. Brown is meeting with redevelopment lobbyists today but if he is successful, it would likely mean the end of ambitious projects in Hercules.
Although Proposition 22 — which protects redevelopment agencies from state raids — was passed in November, and may be a legal hurdle to the governor’s plan, Hercules’ reckless management of its redevelopment agency is a poster child of why their elimination should be considered. The money the city irresponsibly spent on Sycamore North, Red Barn, Palm Center, etc., could have gone to our schools.1 That is a bitter pill residents are forced to swallow.
The benefits of redevelopment are great, however it is very difficult, if not impossible, to defend the city council’s recent actions — blindly following the lead of former City Manager Nelson Oliva and the legal advice of City Attorney Mick Cabral (who lacks experience in redevelopment yet spews senseless opinions on issues such as eminent domain) — that have put the agency at the brink of financial ruin.
Without drastic change of the council, by way of resignation or recall, the city’s redevelopment agency will be evidence ‘A’ during Brown’s first speech on his proposed budget plan, laying the case that the state cannot afford costly redevelopment when abuse and fraud is so prevalent. Just look at Sycamore North.
Note: I am a strong supporter of redevelopment and disagree with Brown’s plan. Then again, our city council blew it.
In my opinion, there is much value in Redevelopment. It would be a shame if the Hercules corruption is used as an example of why to eliminate a valuable tool for Cities to improve themselves. The implication of what has transpired here is going to hurt us for years to come, I’m afraid. We need to Recall quickly to stop what is happening and attempt to correct as much as we can as quickly as we can. If you agree, please go to http://www.HerculesRecall.com and sign-up!
thanks1
Susan,
Agree with you on redevelopment as an important tool for CA municipalities. However I don’t think Hercules situation is on the mind of the new Govenor. It appears his strategy is to get CA citizens to realize just how serious CA’s financial situation, and that everything must be up for discussion painful as it maybe.