READER’S EDITORIAL: WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?

By Mary England, Councilmember 2000-2012 retired

March 25, 2018 (Lemon Grove) -- It seems that several of the current Lemon Grove Council members and the City Manager do not believe in “leading by example.”  The recent lawsuits, one that was settled for thousands and thousands of dollars, as well as the recent one just filed against a Councilmember and the City, with the Mayor being a person of interest, will undoubtedly cost more money.

Yes, I am sure these lawsuits are currently being paid by the City’s insurance company.  But taxpayer money pays the annual premiums and/or the bill to this insurance company.  If those rates go up, due to continuous payouts for lawsuits, then that bill to the City of Lemon Grove will go up.   That current payment and any increased payments will be taken from the operating budget for the City.

Any way you cut it, the misbehavior by the council members and staff are costing taxpayer money!  That money could be better used on street repairs.   Drive down the streets of Lemon Grove; the streets are in disrepair!  Potholes and cracks on many streets are an embarrassment.

In the past, a realtor spoke before the City Council and complained about the streets.  She stated that when bringing potential home buyers to Lemon Grove to show houses, driving those City streets to get to those properties has a negative impact on those potential sales. When a realtor makes that statement - that is chilling.  Realtors are a key ingredient to bringing new families to Lemon Grove, they market the City every day.

It is my hope that this madness can stop, but based on the continuous lawsuits, that may not happen.  Now may be the time for anyone within the community who has the desire to serve in a respectful and caring way, to step up and take a leadership role.  It seems that change on the City Council will be the only way to stop these lawsuits.

The views in this editorial reflect the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.