Letter: Paso Robles needs new leadership focused on transparency and accountability
To the editor,
– Vote for Michael Rivera to make Paso Robles great again. Paso Robles desperately needs new leadership. Michael Rivera will listen to the voters, end cronyism, be transparent, prioritize fixing roads, and paying off the debt. He will try to block any effort to restart the paid parking program. Rivera wants to preserve the local charm of Paso Robles and broaden the economic base. By meeting with and listening to voters to get their opinions he will put people first and restore common sense governance.
Another reason to vote for Michael Rivera is that roads are in a state of disrepair and cannot get fixed if the city manager and city council are not willing to spend more than $6,000,000 per year. There is evidence of favoritism in decisions benefiting tourism while short-changing Roblans. The city’s financial position is getting worse. Paso Robles cannot continue to use $8,000,000 to $13,000,000 of our budget reserves every year. A new city council must prioritize spending for roads.
Led by Gregory, Hamon, and Roden and with the support of Fred Strong the council awarded the Airport FBO contract to Loyd’s instead of local company ACI Jet. Rivera strongly opposed the horrendous decision which is estimated to cost our city over four million or more per year in spending revenue by the Royal Air Force. The Royal Air Force understandably decided to leave Paso Robles airport and follow ACI Jet to San Luis Obispo. The RAF and the large amount of business revenue will be sorely missed. Rivera will make decisions that will benefit all residents and not just a strong vocal minority.
Rivera is also against Measure I-24. It was placed on the ballot without a sunset clause and without funds being specifically directed to road repair. I-24 sales tax goes into the city’s general fund to be used for any purpose including budget shortfalls and hiring more staff. Even worse, it can be used to pay off a potential claim for over $2,000,000 by the city manager. Michael Rivera will vote against any settlement payout to Ty Lewis.
Please vote for Michael Rivera to restore peace, sanity, and common sense decision-making to the City of Paso Robles.
Gary Lehrer
Templeton
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