Oxnard Transit Vote

* Re “A Better Tip--Let Council Decide,” Ventura County editorial, June 18.

This editorial provides a good analysis of some of the issues [involved in my vote to have Oxnard contribute $216,000 more to SCAT than had been approved by the City Council]. Unfortunately, government requires judgment and not all participants agree completely. I knew the implications of a yes or no vote exactly. My vote in this case was not an impulsive action.

The problem I faced was this: A motion was duly offered and seconded to approve a SCAT budget greater than that approved by my council. The parameters and legal information available to SCAT had changed substantially. I voted fourth out of five members voting on a weighted vote. There was no point to reconsider by this time. All but one member had voted for the increased budget. A majority no vote on the proposed increase meant a reduction of the scale of proposed improvements in transportation options for the SCAT region this year. Your editorial advocates increased transportation options as the right thing to do.

Your editorial analysis leaves me in a no-win situation. My yes vote is labeled an impulsive unilateral tip yet a no vote would have restricted very much needed improved services, which your editorial supports.

I opted to improve much needed transportation options by voting for the motion and, as the council representative on SCAT, bringing the matter back to the council for full discussion and reconsideration. This was my preference. I have confidence that my colleagues on the council understand the issues and circumstances involved and that they will decided to approve the increase.

MANUEL M. LOPEZ

Mayor

Oxnard