The clamoring for change rallied a number of voters to the polls this year. I can only hope that this energy continues as the course of any change should not end on Election Day. We must be vigilant to what our leaders are doing on our behalf both in Sacramento and Washington D.C. Government must seek to meet the needs of the people. We cannot gift that charge to special interest groups as we have done over the years.
With what we experienced this year: stock market plunging, financial takeovers, corporations going down, layoffs and bail outs, home foreclosures and corporate leaders walking away with millions of dollars, it is incumbent upon us to keep a closer watch on how things are working.
We’ve been somewhat immune to these events as they have not converged like this at least that I can remember. I think the action that really rubbed the salt in our wounds was the gall of the Auto Company CEO’s who went to Washington by private jets to ask for a hand out. That sobering moment tells me that we, the people need to be more vigilant and hold lawmakers accountable for their actions.
Our problems are man-made and it’s up to us to solve them, rationally and with common sense. The polarization going on in Sacramento has got to stop. We are suffering because of party politics.
I recently attended a League of California Cities conference where leaders took the opportunity to participate in a priority setting workshop to identify the key priorities needing attention this next year. The gravity of the state of the State resonated among the leadership and most of the rhetoric pointed to a need for some reform. The League’s strategic goals will be set in motion next year in a vigorous attempt to keep local funding protected and advance the interests of the cities.
The state budget crisis will be around for a while which means we need to engage in smart planning to sustain our community services and meet future needs of residents. I am proud of the way our city has stayed fiscally strong through the responsible long range planning that has been done. You wonder why local government can do the job for the people and lawmakers in Sacramento can’t seem to come together to agree on much.
I know many people are looking forward to the end of this year and the start of a new one when we can set a path towards some economic recovery. No one can foresee precisely what course it will take or the cost, but in the next several months, our patience and will, will be tested. As evidenced throughout history, the American people will step up to the challenges and focus on a direction of resolve. We will get through this and hopefully learn from the mistakes and truly make changes.
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza and Happy Holidays to all and let’s look to a peaceful 2009.
I look forward to your comments about this and other issues by emailing me at lkoelling@fostercity.org.
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