City Council Must Take Lead

The South Gate City Council lost on Measure A, and now threatens to cut city services due to lost revenue. This is typical of a city council that cannot accept its role in the fiasco of Measure A.

Who insisted that it be voted on in a special election at an added cost to the city? Who has blamed everyone for the failure of Measure A except himself? The City Council, of course. When any group opposes its actions, that group is accused of having a ‘50s mentality or . . . sour grapes. This is patently ridiculous.

Measure A lost because the City Council tried to pull the wool over the citizenry and threatened bankruptcy and loss of essential services without just cause.

Now they say that the citizens have to come up with other ideas. Why? Isn’t that their job? For the past several years, the council has rejected out of hand several proposals by private business--which would not cost the city or the Redevelopment Agency money--because the gambling casino held out a carrot. Well, that carrot has been chopped and sliced, so let’s look at the facts without threats and coercion.

If the City Council were really concerned about the city, they would admit publicly that the Redevelopment Agency is themselves and that its money is also our money--just in a different pocket. It is to be used to improve South Gate. If council members want to do something, they will cancel the purchase of the South Gate Press building, since we don’t need to buy it at this time. They will actively seek proposals for the General Motors facility. This won’t be so bad if you realize that the Lynwood Justice Center is going to be even bigger and only a mile down the street. Let’s move ahead, and if they won’t, let’s elect a City Council that will.

WALLY ZEMANS

South Gate