I am doing something that I have never done in the almost 12 years that I have had the privilege of serving as mayor of this fine community. I am responding to a commentary in the newspaper. The commentary, written by Supervisor Robin Williamson, was published in last Sunday's edition.
The Board of Supervisors is five people elected by the people with equal power. One person, one vote. No more, no less. This board, as with past boards, has always had different opinions and priorities. That is as it should be. You discuss an item and vote on it. You win some and you lose some. Then you move on. This is the first time in my 12 years that a board member has gone to the media and criticized a vote that did not go in their favor.
One of the most disturbing comments of the commentary was Supervisor Williamson's statement that the three men voted "en bloc" in favor of the item that I brought forward. I feel that statement is completely out of line and insinuates that the board votes by gender. Members of the current board, as well as with past boards, vote on what he or she feels is in the best interests of the people they serve. To say less is a disservice to her peers.
Supervisor Williamson stated that this vote gutted the meager Redevelopment budget. In fact the Redevelopment budget was not touched. It still includes $220,000 for salary and benefits for a director and deputy director, $100,000 for consulting services, $100,000 for special events, $50,000 for advertising, and so on.
The fact is the $2 million given to Redevelopment for the Burlington Coat Factory was general fund money. The money that will be used to pay back the general fund is additional revenue that was not anticipated when the board set the budget. The majority of the money is from the sale of the old Carson-Tahoe Hospital, which sold for $20 million and is now on the tax roll. For reasons unknown to me, the hospital is in a redevelopment zone and the money would have gone to redevelopment.
Redevelopment's budget has grown and will continue to grow as development occurs in the areas that have been designated redevelopment zones. Redevelopment should work on its own revenue stream. If there is a compelling reason for general fund assistance, it should be provided through an inter-governmental loan. Paying back the general fund for the $2 million for the Burlington Coat Factory is the right thing to do.
As for Supervisor Williamson's comment about me having a conversation with Supervisor Livermore about the fishing pond at Fuji Park, I have conversations with all the supervisors. But, for the record, if it was up to me alone to fund an additional $150,000 to Redevelopment or $150,000 to match a grant to finally have a first class fishing pond in our community for all residents to enjoy, I pick the fishing pond. However, it will not be up to me alone. I'm only one vote.