I have followed the Vallejo/Public safety/bankruptcy/ story since its inception. Have strong opinions, yet balanced, regarding ALL Vallejo related unions. I log-on every morning with the same search, " Vallejo + Public safety". I've broadened my search to, "Unions + Public Safety" and have read 100s of articles on the subject. I'm disgusted. With that said, the PS employees are good people trying to do a good job, and I certainly don't blame them for the compensation packages their union has negotiated. However, I also don't blame taxpayers for being outraged. The system is broke. The city of Vallejo is broke. The unions have turned the piggy-bank (budget) upside down in an attempt to extract every nickel -- or so it seems.
Vallejo is not: unique --- just the tip of the iceberg! Vallejo is: civics in motion, a university level case study in public accounting, a stimulus for discussion at all levels of government, with children, at the pub. With Tax Dollar spending out of control, I'm interested in participating in any way I can. I don't live in Solano county, or the city of Vallejo. My concern is that the problem extends well beyond Vallejo: this is a State, County, and City problem (actually a national problem with the exception of North Carolina and Virginia (state law prohibits unions from negotiating public employee contracts).
Last night the Touro Mare Island Cancer Treatment Center Development Agreement was approved by a unanimous vote of the City Council (Michael Wilson recused). While numerous questions were raised,the overall mood bordered on jubilant.
Bruce Lang, the CEO of Touro Mare Island Development as well as Dick Hassell the Vice President of Touro University California and several other members of the Touro team spoke to the public about issues regarding the project--the first of its kind in this country. Touro also plans to build the project in accordance with a LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Platinum Certification. This is the highest standard for "green" building and a laudable goal.
Video commentary from Bruce Lang, CEO Touro Mare Island Development:
Unions Continue Effort to Tear City Apart--6/18/08
Unions Continue Effort to Tear City Apart
Full Page Ad is Kindling for Blame Game Bonfire
June 18, 2008
By Marc Garman
Somewhat surprising after last night's "Can't we all get along?" themed budget study session, the unions (or someone who only plays a union on TV), have published a full page attack and smear in today's Vallejo Times Herald. I wonder if the public safety officials present last night knew this was in the works.
Let's take a look at this latest affront to the concept of "good faith."
Vallejo City Councilmembers Hermie Sunga, Tom Bartee and Stephanie Gomes along with former councilmember and Executive Director of Fighting Back Partnership, Tony Pearsall took a swim in the dunk tank Saturday in an effort to raise money for the Florence Douglas Senior Center.
It is a sad state of affairs when our seniors have to go begging. According to Vicki Conrad, Executive Director of the center, funding that had previously been forthcoming from the city is expected to be cut to zero.
Interview with Vicki Conrad. Run time--2:26
Conrad hopes some sponsorship will materialize to prevent cuts or closure of what is an invaluable resource to Vallejo's approximately 30,000 seniors. If you are interested in contributing to or helping the Florence Douglas Senior Center, contact Vicki Conrad at:
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or (707) 643-1044.
According to Stas Margaronis, President of Santa Maria Shipowning and Trading Inc, there is a possibility shipbuilding may return to Mare Island. "We have an outstanding proposal to the city to lease 3 dry docks".
Margaronis has been in touch with Assistant City Manager Craig Whittom as well as Gary West, Vallejo's Chief Building Official to discuss renewing the offer his company made in 2006. Apparently contentious talks with Lennar in 2006 broke down yielding no result. LINK HERE West indicated that he thinks "it's a feasible project."
Margaronis' company would like to build container ships on Mare Island that would weigh between 3000 and 8000 tons, hold 250 to 500 forty foot shipping containers, and have a total length between 400 and 550 feet.
