Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown to Swear-in New Sacramento NAACP Executive Committee Members

24 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy, Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown, Ca, City of Rialto, Colton, davidsMarketing, Deborah Robertson, Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Josef (Joe) Britt, Rialto, Rialto, San Bernardino, youth Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown to Swear-in New Sacramento NAACP Executive Committee Members

 

SACRAMENTO– Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) will swear-in thirteen new executive officers of the Sacramento NAACP branch including the new president, Tyrone Netters, on Wednesday, January 30 at the State Capitol in Sacramento. As a former executive officer of the San Bernardino NAACP branch, Assemblymember Brown said she’s honored to be a part of the experience.

 

“As a former branch president, I’m proud to support the NAACP. I’m excited to participate in the ceremony as the officiator, it’s a true honor. I am sure the leadership and advocacy of the new executive committee members of the Sacramento Chapter will have an immense and vital impact in the Sacramento community,” said Assemblymember Brown.

 

This is the second time in history that a former NAACP executive officer in the State Legislature will swear-in an executive committee. The Honorable Mervyn Dymally was the first executive officer in the State Legislature to hold this honor.

 

The following officers will be sworn-in by Brown on January 30: 

 

Tyrone Netters, President

Stephen Webb, 1st Vice President

Betty Williams, 2nd Vice President

Velma Sykes, Treasurer

Joell Reed, Secretary

Aliane Murphy-Hasan, Asst. Secretary

Dale McKinney, Chair, Education

David Clements, Chair, Criminal Justice

Peter Brixie, Attorney, Legal Redress

Malachi Smith, Chair, Veteran Affairs

Natasha Drew, Advisor Youth Council

Stacey Drew, Freedom Fund Committee

Dr. Nate White, Chair, Membership

 

The ceremony will take place in Room 127 from 5:00 – 7:00p.m. A light reception will follow in Room 125.

 

For more information, contact (909) 820-5008.

 

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana , Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.

 

Website of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown: http://www.asmdc.org/members/a47/

“SPOTLIGHT” with Ed Scott on the Elections & the Open Council Seat

15 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, davidsMarketing, Deborah Robertson, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Inland Empire, Joe Baca Jr, Nieghborhood Watch, Rialto, Shawn O'Connell, Target, Uncategorized, Water, wwwstoprialtowaterratehikes.com Tags: , , ,

Hello Rialto so you thought the elections were over right?

Wrong we still have an open council seat!!!!!!!

Ok so maybe the thought of more election pandering doesn’t excite you, if that’s the case this is right up your alley.

The city council has chosen to make an appointment verses spending money on an election. They gave candidates 3 days to get their letters of interest into the city clerk’s office (Friday 5pm) and now they have the task of choosing one of these people to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the term (1.5 years).

Rumors are already circling that the 3 seated council members have already made up their minds? Is it simply rumor? Or is there something it?

There is no way to know what another person is thinking until you ask them to put it to writing. Here is the Interview from Ed Scott enjoy.

Ed Scott is seeking the open council seat

Ed Scott is seeking the open council seat

*What are your thoughts on how the local elections played out for citizens of Rialto?

I am happy with the two Councilmembers who were voted in. Obviously I am disappointed voters didn’t do more research on the Mayoral candidates as I feel the outcome would of been different. Having said that I am in full support of our new Mayor and wish her the best.

*In what ways will you try and remain a part of the work to make a better Rialto now that you’re no longer on the Council?

For 23 years I’ve been active in this community and will continue to do so in any way I can. I may run again sometime down the road.

*Are you seeking the appointed seat left vacant by your opponent for Mayor Deborah Robertson?

Yes I am I feel I would be a good asset to the new Council especially in business development and perchlorate.

*How do you thing this spot should be filled?

The Council should review applicants and pick a person qualified.

*What is the value of having it done now verses waiting till June in a special election?

We need leadership, there are major financial issues facing this city and a person with knowledge of these issues would be helpful.

*Can you explain the importance of having an odd number of people voting?

You certainly don’t want tied votes and if the council cannot come up with a consensus then a 3 – 2 votes is helpful. In a perfect situation if staff and the council are doing their homework a unanimous vote should take place. Voting on issues is not about one’s personal agenda it’s about what is good and right for the community.

*What was your greatest accomplishment & failure as a council member?

I think my hard work to bring new businesses into our community was important. i.e. Coco’s, Wal-Mart, Target, In & Out multiple distribution centers bringing job to Rialto and my work in bringing the perchlorate law suit to an end. But my greatest pleasure was when I could help a resident of small business with a problem and could leave them with the feeling that an elected official cared about them. There is no better feeling. As far as failures I don’t really look at anything that way. Would I have of done something’s different yes, hind sight is always important.

*There is talk of putting Measure “V” on the ballot again any thoughts on this? Why in your opinion did it fail in November?

It failed because people didn’t understand why the City was doing it and we let big oil companies come into our city and flat out lie to our residents. I worked for big oil companies for over twenty years and I tried to warn the city how ruthless they can be but my concerns fell on deaf ears.

*What in your opinion is the greatest hurdle in the community’s path between now and the next election?

Having enough money to keep the City solvent and at the same time maintain our necessary levels of service for public safety.

*Veolia will be the operator of both the Water and Waste Water for Rialto for the next 30 years, what are your thoughts on this? Can they handle both with minimal errors? Did you have a choice you wish was there instead?

Yes I am confident they can handle it my choice to run the water department was West Valley it just didn’t happen

*As a small business owner what can Rialto do to make this an attractive home for our local small businesses?

Make the permitting and government interaction easier. The City needs to understand that when a small business loses business because of safety concerns or because government is difficult to do business with it is devastating. Most small business people are not rich people they are hardworking residents.

*Residents of the country club area came out to the Coffee with the Chief in December commenting on the way the Golf Course has become a mess and attracts criminals and the wild life is moving in as well. What was done wrong there in your opinion?

The golf course was losing 20,000 a month the owners had a right to close it. The residents should have worked with the owners instead of suing them. No one won in that situation but lawyers. The best thing now is to support the new development at the golf course so it can be reopened and become prosperous.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHERYL R. BROWN ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

15 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown, Bad Commerce, Ca, City of Rialto, In & Out, Inland Empire, Poor, Protest, Rialto, Taxes, youth Tags: , , , , ,

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) has been appointed by Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) to the following Standing Committees for the 2013-2014 Legislative Session: Rules; Housing and Community Development; Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media; Veterans Affairs; and Aging and Long-Term Care.

 

“I’m excited about the work that I’m going to be doing in Sacramento for the 47th Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Brown. “I’m pleased to be appointed to the Committee on Rules, which oversees all incoming bills and other fiscal and personnel business of the Legislature.”

 

“I’m also excited to be appointed to the Housing and Community Development Committee. My background as an urban planner will aid me as I work to ensure that our communities have access to affordable housing and that we’re utilizing our community development tools for economic growth.”

 

“My appointment to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media will allow me to build on my experience in this area, especially tourism and internet media. In addition, I will look for new ways to promote economic growth through entertainment, arts, sports, and tourism.”

 

“I feel especially gratified to be appointed to the committee on Veterans Affairs. I feel that veterans are very important. I appreciate their service and the sacrifices they’ve made to keep our nation free. We should honor and treat them with respect. There should be no homeless veterans.”

 

“I’m proud to be a strong voice for seniors and help with issues affecting aging and long-term care. As a member of the Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, I look forward to sharing my ideas and personal experience in long-term care and having a positive impact. I want to thank Speaker Pérez for assigning me to these important committees.”

 

Assemblymember Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington, Fontana, Muscoy, and Grand Terrace. Assemblywoman Brown was elected on November 6, 2012.

Statement of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown on Governor Brown’s 2013-2014 Proposed Budget

13 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown, Budget, Ca Tags: , , , ,

Statement of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown on Governor Brown’s 2013-2014 Proposed Budget

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) issued the following statement today after the release of Governor Brown’s 2013 – 2014 proposed budget:

“The Governor’s budget gives us a blueprint for fiscal responsibility and provides more funding and local control to K-12 and community colleges where the students will reap the benefits. In keeping with the Affordable Health Care Act, the budget also sets a framework for health care reform while paying down our debt. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we move forward in the budget process.”

 

###

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.

Assembly Woman Cheryl Brown speaks on economic issues

13 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown Tags: , ,

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) appeared on the California Channel today to talk about current economic issues and opportunities for economic growth in the 47th Assembly District, as well as her recent election to the California State Assembly.  The 47th Assembly District includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.

 

If you missed today’s program, you can watch the interview via YouTube: http://youtu.be/0VwuU-7EZIo

 

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (916) 319-2047. 

In Response to the San Bernardino Sun Editorial Board

04 Jan 2013 2 Comments

by rialto-now in Andy Carrizales, Budget, Chief Mat Fratus, City of Rialto, Currupt, Deborah Robertson, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Flores Park, In & Out, Inland Empire, Joe Baca Jr, Megan Matson, Mike Story, mmatson@t-rockcap.com, Rialto, Ron Pharris, Shawn O'Connell, Table Rock Capital, youth Tags:

merchantcircle.com

merchantcircle.com

Sun Editorial Staff:

The problems with Rialto and its budget are as follows.

  1. We refuse to make the right cuts, the needed cuts. We have attacked employee units that actually work for Rialto and ones that the community needs to function as a city. The city has sold off our water and waste water systems, attacked our fire and police & shut down city offices so much it virtually impossible to get anything done in a timely fashion. They changed graffiti contractors leaving residents in the lurch and at the mercy of resident gangs allowing them to re root in Rialto and add their tags to our walls and electric boxes. City hall refuses to tell the residents what our Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney and other dept heads make. Our new mayor has already failed to reach out and be open with the public there are rumors swirling that she has ordered new paint and carpet for her office and is asking the city to waste tax dollars on sending her to Washington DC for a Mayors conference and to attend President Obama’s second swearing in, REALLY.
  2. The city became extremely way to comfortable with RDA funding which led to lazy council members ignoring the ugly business culture that is Rialto. We attract 99 cent stores, Walgreens, smoke shops, liquor stores, indoor swap meets and cash for gold businesses. It was an act of God to get our In&Out moving forward which according to In&Out is still in limbo. Fresh and Easy opened here but the latest word is that the company is abandoning the store concept which means yet another empty store front coming our way.
  3. Wasting time on failed projects that have further damaged our city:
    1. The city allowed Ron Phariss and his Lytle Creek Project to take up valuable council time, run our golf course and country club into ruin and create a riff between residents of the city and county areas. If Ron Phariss wants to build his development he needs to get going or get out.
    2. Wal-Mart claims they want a super center here in Rialto but they refuse to show the people of Rialto that they can operate a clean professional retail business in the Inland Empire. Wal-Mart hires lazy sloppy security for their parking lots and their staff remains rude and not helpful. Why would we welcome the super center if they can’t even offer Rialto residents a quality retail establishment at their current location? Also what happens to the old store once the super center is open, one more ugly vacant building for the homeless to destroy and gangs to tag up.
    3. The corner of Cactus and Foothill we have yet another gas station/carwash opening up even though there is a vacant falling apart carwash just east of this location. Where was the city leadership allowing another business to fall apart and become an ugly scar on our city and approve the same business to make a similar mistake just down the street?

Current council members and Mayor Robertson need to show us they are serious about working for the community and not just their own personal agendas. Joe Baca Jr. needs to focus on all areas of the cities not just parks. Mayor Robertson needs to figure out what she is doing and get back out into the community like she did when running for Mayor. She played a lot of us for fools by allowing us to think we would have an open line of communication with our Mayor if she was elected. Lets all hope that Councilman Elect Shawn O’Connell has the mental stamina to work in this council and see some positive forward progress. He is a man of strong character and has shown he wants to know and do the WILL OF THE PEOPLE. He has offered his home phone number 909-429-1138 his email address Shawn4Rialto@hotmail.com and he is even learning to use twitter to reach out to residents in every way possible Twitter.com/Shawn4Rialto. We must extend the Utility Users Tax in March, bring in new business to rialto, finish off half done projects and better utilize people in the community that have a desire to help make Rialto a better place to live.

The SB SUn article is below:

Editorial: Rialto must fight financial crisis by taking action

Posted:   01/03/2013 04:31:11 PM PST

OUR VIEW: Talks to rein in costs in Rialto need to give way to action, and the sooner the better.

It’s been almost three years since the Rialto City Council was warned that the city was facing its own serious financial crisis, potentially on par with the disaster that led to San Bernardino’s bankruptcy.

But rather than begin an aggressive campaign to trim costs and address a current $7.6 million budget deficit, the city seems more focused on convincing voters to approve extending a utility user tax set to expire in June.

Meanwhile, the city continues to spend its reserves to maintain services at current levels.

That sounds all too much like the scenario that played out in San Bernardino, where city officials depleted reserves and began borrowing from restricted funds to keep up with costs rather than make necessary cuts.

The situation in Rialto is dire – with its reserves expected to drop to $7 million by July, the budget stands to take an $11 million hit next year if voters reject the utility users tax during a special election in March.

Extending the utility tax in Rialto, keep in mind, won’t resolve the city’s ongoing structural deficit, the result of a sluggish economy and escalating personnel costs. The utility tax is a stop-gap that for now prevents the city from digging a deeper hole.

To be fair, Rialto has found some ways to cut costs, such as leaving vacancies unfilled and partnering with nearby
police agencies on some special services such as SWAT and helicopter patrols.

Such cost-savings measures have not been enough to balance the city’s books, however. And, if voters refuse to continue paying an 8 percent tax on their utility bills, the city’s General Fund will take a huge hit. The $11 million in revenue generated by the tax accounts for 22 percent of the General Fund, the city says.

Leaders at City Hall have said they expect to begin negotiating with labor groups to further reduce personnel costs, and there is some talk about restructuring the organization.

Those talks need to give way to action, and the sooner the better.

Those who live and work in Rialto need look no further than nearby San Bernardino for a cautionary tale about leaders who wait too long to take action. Residents who will be asked to continue paying an 8 percent tax on their utility bills deserve to know how the city is going to cut costs before handing over anymore of their own money.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHERYL R. BROWN SHARES HER VISION OF A THRIVING 47TH DISTRICT

01 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by rialto-now in Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown, Centurion Security Patrol, davidsMarketing, Deborah Robertson, Flores Park, Inland Empire, Janice Rutherford, Josie Gonzales Tags: , , , , ,

Cheryl Brown HEADER

 

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) was sworn-in locally at the San Bernardino County Government Center in San Bernardino on Friday, December 21. The ceremony was attended by 200 supporters, local elected officials, friends and family members.

Cheryl Brown4

Assemblymember Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Fontana, Bloomington, Muscoy, and Grand Terrace.

Cheryl Brown5

The Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter, State Legislature (Ret.), served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The presentation of the colors was presented by Carter High School’s JROTC, led by Colonel Dave Moreland. The program featured special remarks from San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford, Second District, Mayor Acquanetta Warren, City of Fontana, Mayor Deborah Robertson, City of Rialto, and longtime San Bernardino community activist, Lois Carson. A special performance was given by jazz saxophonist, J. Boykin, and the oath of office was administered by San Bernardino County Supervisor, Josie Gonzales, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.

Mayor Pete Aguilar, City of Redlands, Mayor Deborah Robertson, City of Rialto, Trustee Mary Jane Sanchez, College of the Desert Board, Assemblywoman Cheryl R. Brown, 47th District, Assemblyman Jose Medina, 61st District, and Trustee Denise Fleming, Ed.D., Moreno Valley Unified School District were honored at the San Bernardino County Democratic Party reception for newly elected and continuing Democratic officials.

Mayor Pete Aguilar, City of Redlands, Mayor Deborah Robertson, City of Rialto, Trustee Mary Jane Sanchez, College of the Desert Board, Assemblywoman Cheryl R. Brown, 47th District, Assemblyman Jose Medina, 61st District, and Trustee Denise Fleming, Ed.D., Moreno Valley Unified School District were honored at the San Bernardino County Democratic Party reception for newly elected and continuing Democratic officials.

During her remarks, Assemblywoman Brown spoke about the economic uncertainty faced by the newly drawn 47th Assembly District. She emphasized the need to work together as a community to effect change. “In order to make our vision a reality, we need to work together,” said Assemblywoman Brown. “I have already begun the process of moving forward to accomplish common goals by meeting with mayors of San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Fontana, and Grand Terrace.”

 

Brown stated that her vision is to ensure that everyone works together in the 47th District to prepare skilled and educated workers for employment as we improve and create economic opportunities and development. She spoke about the history of the Inland Empire reflecting on its prosperity and optimism. Ultimately, her vision is to see the district thrive.

 

Assemblywoman Brown has made economic development (jobs and business), education and public safety her top priorities. She said her plan is to continue to meet with educational, labor, business, community groups, as well as, elected officials in the district to generate new ideas, regulatory and legislative solutions that will promote educational opportunities and economic growth in the 47th District.

 

For more information, contact (916) 319-2047 or (909) 645-3853.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHERYL R. BROWN FILLS KEY LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS

05 Dec 2012 2 Comments

by rialto-now in Assemblymember-Elect Cheryl Brown Tags: , , , ,

ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHERYL R. BROWN FILLS KEY LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS

Swearing_In_Brown_169_12-03-12

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown was sworn in yesterday by The Honorable Mary Lou Villar de Longoria, Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Brown was elected on November 6 to represent the newly drawn 47th Assembly District.

 

Recently, Brown named Larry G. Broussard as her chief of staff. Broussard is a former legislative consultant and aide to Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Senate Pro Tem David Roberti and former chief of staff to Assemblymembers Sandré Swanson and Jerome Horton and Congressman Matthew Martinez.
Broussard also served as Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions & Special Programs at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry and former Director of Special Projects at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine.

 

“I’m proud to announce that Larry Broussard will serve as our new chief of staff,” said Assemblymember Brown. “Larry is a San Bernardino native, and has over 20 years of experience in the state legislature and education administration. His proven track record of quality leadership will be an asset for our district.”

Brown also announced that Shannon McKinley, a former senior consultant to Assemblymember Sandré Swanson will join her staff as Legislative Director. Among McKinley’s key accomplishments includes staffing AB 2278, a bill signed by Governor Jerry Brown in July 2012. This bill authorizes the governing board of a qualifying school district, after one year has passed following the qualifying school district’s acceptance of an emergency loan, to conduct an annual advisory evaluation of the school district’s state-appointed administrator.



“Shannon is a great addition to the team. I’m confident in her ability to develop and advance legislation that will address our district’s specific needs including economic recovery and growth.”


Assemblymember Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington, Muscoy, Fontana, and Grand Terrace.

For more information contact (916) 319-2047 or (909) 645-3853

	


	

			




		
			




			
Public Workshop regarding the Utility Users Tax
	
	
17 Nov 2012 Leave a comment


			

			by rialto-now
				in Bad Commerce, Budget, Ca, City of Rialto, Deborah Robertson, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Family, Flores Park, Grace Vargas, Inland Empire, Joe Baca Jr, Layoffs, Mike Story, Public Safety, Rialto, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, Uncategorized, youth
				Tags: , , 
					

	
	

		
Hello Rialto Now readers there is a workshop we need to attend our very TAX DOLLARS depend on it.


merchantcircle.com


Five Years ago the city put a Utility Users Tax on the Ballot it was sold as a way to pay for Police and Fire supplies, services and Equipment we thought exclusively. Now looking back it was thrown into the general fund and used a revenue source to keep the city afloat. I am very proud of you Rialto residents for showing the city council that lies and using the fact that we like our fire and police services as tax hostages with measure “V”. Sadly though because we told them with our vote on measure “V” to be honest with us and stop lying they are floating the idea of raising the Utility Users Tax.


Now the Utility Users Tax expires in June 2013. City Council is holding this workshop to get your opinions as well as hopefully show what services will need to be cut and personnel we will lose if its not extended. Another reason to hold the workshop is to float increasing the rate to as much as 15% up from 8%. At 8% they bring in just over $11 million they were banking on measure “V” bringing in about $5 million the amount we are short year to year.


What happens from here:


    

  1. Workshop to get the cities temp on an increase or leaving it the same, showing the cuts that will be made if the tax isn’t extended and talk of impending bankruptcy if it fails.
    2. 

  2. The results will be tabulated together and city staff will make a recommendation to the council on a direction to proceed at the November 27th council meeting. Be advised this council meeting is just as important as the workshop, why? Because the decision to reinstate the tax and put the issue on a special election ballot in March must be made in November. If the decision isn’t made in November and unanimous the tax will end and the city will be scrambling to find ways to pay its obligations.
    3. 



I hate taxes more than life itself, we never seem to get real representation in our government and the unions have the elected officials ears so we are unheard. We also pay the highest taxes across the board here in California and these taxes crush the hard working middle class as well as chase away the wealthy job creators to other more business friendly states.


With that being said I will vote for the extension of the Utility Users Tax but only at 8% and only if the city doesn’t lie to get the tax passed just tell us what you need!!!!!!!!


Finally please contact Mr. Joe Baca Jr. and let him know it’s important that he does his job as a Rialto City Council Member and attend Tuesday’s workshop. He ran for this office now he must take time out of his schedule to work through this issue together.


Below is the information on the workshop:


Utility Users Tax Workshop


The City of Rialto is conducting a Public Workshop to receive updated information regarding the Utility Users Tax. The Workshop will take place at 6:00 pm on November 20th at the Civic Center 150 So. Palm Ave.


http://www.ci.rialto.ca.us/gov_5913.php

	


	

			




		
			




			
First Council Meeting Since the October Election Blackout
	
	
14 Nov 2012 Leave a comment


			

			by rialto-now
				in American Water, Budget, Ca, Chief Mat Fratus, City of Rialto, Currupt, Deborah Robertson, Ed palmer, Ed Scott, Flores Park, German owned company, Grace Vargas, Inland Empire, Joe Baca Jr, June Hayes, Lazy, Rialto, Rialto Fire, Rialto Police Department, Water, wwwstoprialtowaterratehikes.com
				Tags: , , 
					

	
	

		
Seems like we should have had those meetings in October after all.




Because no City Council Meetings were held in October due to the Election we had a stacked calendar tonight.


They had the Utility Users Tax on the end of the agenda and choose to address that TAB item first. What that TAB item was for was city staff laying out the ground work for the workshop that will be held November 20th. What seemed the hardest was getting the council on board to attend the workshop, the biggest problem maker was Joe Baca Jr. I’m not sure if he was still licking his wounds from November 6th or if he really only cares about parks and that’s it but he had a scheduling conflict with that day and refused to adjust his schedule.


What the UUT (Utility Users Tax) is the 8% tax on all the utilities you use in the city of Rialto and amounts to a little more than 11 million dollars for the general fund. The way it was sold 5 years ago was a tax to help pay for Police and Fire operations looking back it was probably sold the same way Measure “V” was if you don’t vote for this the police and fire will suffer. I was young and not living in the city back then so I was listening to what my parents, in laws & friends were telling me about the UUT.


What’s scary now is they began floating the idea of raising the percentage to as high as 12% as a way to punish voters for not falling for their lies with Measure “V”. I don’t like this tax but if they are straight with the community and don’t raise the percentage because it means such a big piece of the general fund.


What also was annoying was the fact that things are changing with the sale of Rialto’s water and waste water systems to Viola and West Valley Water. The deal was for 30 million dollars, tonight it was brought up that there is an additional 5 Million the city can borrow, that we have to pay back. There was talk of your 100 percent increase in rates over 4 years would be more if they borrowed that money.


City Staff brought up bringing back the Per’s Tax. I’m not familiar with this tax but Council was scared to death of another lawsuit from our friends the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Apparently Howard Jarvis stopped Rialto from doing this long ago. If they bring it back and Jon Coupal wants to sue on a residents behalf I will be first in line.


Everyone kept saying we don’t want to raise taxes then talked about a new way to tax the community. Also Transparency is the buzz word right now all of the Council People want to provide it even though they have been hiding things from us for years. Even June Hayes RUA Committee member was blown away by the new talk of 5 million in available borrowed money.


Ed Scott tried to equate the 5 million to a homeowner who buys a house then finds out they qualify for more money and takes it. A homeowner can only take more money if the value of the house meets the desired loan amount. Also its not free money it does raise the interest and principle monthly payment.


So 5 million is what percent of 130 million its 3.84 percent almost a filth of the entire loan and when your talking millions that’s not chump change.


So lets re-cap:


*Water and Waste Water rates will go up for the next four years.


*Rialto wants you to possibly pay 12% on your UUT (up from 8%).


*Rialto pays 8-10 cents more per gallon than cities like San Bernardino that have higher sales tax than Rialto.


*Late fees were increased largely in part to Mr. Everyone Else Is Doing It Why Not Us.


So what should we do?


First off plan on being at the UUT Workshop on 11-20-12 at 6pm.


Second call, email and ask him in person if given the opportunity. Him I mean Joe Baca Jr. who for some reason refuses to attend the UUT workshop on 11-20-12 he claims to have plans. So do I Mr. Baca my parents will be in that week from out of state yet I will be there and I am not a paid member of the city of Rialto just a concerned resident.


Joe Baca Jr.


Email: Bacaj@rialtoca.gov


Phone: 909-820-2525


Second attend the Council Meeting on 11-27-12 because there they will make the final vote to officially sell off the water and waste water, vote on whether to put the UUT on the ballot in March and at what percent and its the last day for Ed Scott, Mayor Grace Vargas and Deborah Robertson’s last day as a council member so there may be some interesting exchanges at this meeting.


Tomarrow I will Re-cap the rest of what I stayed for.


 

	


	

			




		
		
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