Published: 1 years 221 days ago
Sacramento Bee: In its Oct. 2 editorial opposing Measure B, The Bee says the Sacramento city utility rate rollback is a "risky straitjacket."
However, a straitjacket is a great idea. Sacramento's utilities department is out of control, and those in charge cannot be trusted to exercise fiduciary responsibility. In this case, a straitjacket is appropriate until the "patient" is well enough to be trusted not to harm himself or others. Ratepayers should vote yes on Measure B.
Funds have been illegally diverted. There are many questions about utility budgeting and spending. The city is way behind on decades-old pipe maintenance. Why? Is it because of illegally diverted money? Or mismanagement? Or both? Only after a performance and financial audit is complete and only after there is a track record of proper and efficient use of taxpayer money should the straitjacket be removed. The City Council has had over a year to start the audit; ratepayers are more than justified in voting "yes" on B.
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/13/3099861/without-utility-fund-audit-city.html
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