There is no doubt that we live in a difficult and dangerous economic time. Now that the voters have spoken out against the recent initiatives, no one can foresee precisely what course will be taken. Lawmakers in Sacramento have a daunting task of trying to figure out how to spend within their means and govern responsibly on behalf of the people they serve.
Unfortunately, over the next few weeks our lawmakers will be deciding how much they will take from local government to assist them in trying to balance their budget. Foster City stands to lose $1.2 million or 8% of the property tax revenue. Our city will survive this first round of “money grabbing” by the State; however, many cities around the County and State are not as fortunate. The future is cloudy, at best, in understanding the full impact of this crisis.
Foster City’s leadership has continued to steer a course by being fiscally responsible and have been able to stay ahead of the “storm.” Our vision and conservative long range planning have enabled the residents of this city to continue to enjoy the services and amenities offered. Residents can be proud of the city’s sound business practices that will affect us for decades to come. Serving as a council member, my objective is to do what I can to protect those services and interests of all Foster City residents and maintain that responsible course.
In this time of courage and time of challenge, there is no room for knee-jerk reactions to emotional issues. I refer to the recent vocal sentiment regarding the overcrowding problem in the public schools. There isn’t any doubt that a problem exists; there isn’t any doubt that something needs to be done. After listening to a few parents speak at a recent school board meeting and at a recent council meeting, it is obvious to me that irresponsible communications are fueling this emotionally charged issue.
Ignorance and misinformation can handicap the progress of any endeavor. No one is saying that this is not an important issue. What disappointed me were residents assuming that the city had cut off talks with the school district and painting the city as an adversary. This was far from accurate and goes to show that some people are quick to judge without knowing how things work, or the scope of the consequences of any decision before due diligence.
I believe the confusion sur-rounds the difference in style of how things are done. The city requires good planning and analysis before projects are consid-ered and approved. The questions being asked of the school district are not out of the ordinary, and are business as usual as far as the city goes.
I caution everyone to verify information by going to the appropriate source first. Perpetuating misinformation is counter-productive. The city will assist the School District where it can. Meetings are on the calendar.
I expect the School District to continue to explore as many options as possible to achieve a resolve for our students. At a time of complex and continuing problems we must be guided by the light of reason or else those who choose to confuse rhetoric will gain popularity with their seemingly swift and simple solutions to every problem. It does not allow for productive thinking and good alternatives from which to choose.
This and other issues seem monumental because of the chal-lenges facing us all. For each of us it is different in intensity and scope. We will get through this challenge like anything else as long as clear and reasonable thinking prevail. In the years ahead, the success of our achievements will depend more and more on strategic planning and thinking “outside the box.”
I look forward to your comments on this and other issues by emailing me at lkoelling@fostercity.org.
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