Measure O and Accountability

* Measure O will determine whether the tobacco settlement money will go into Ventura County’s coffers or be used for medical care by the private hospitals.

Two county supervisors have been holding public meetings on this issue. One recurring theme by those who oppose the measure is that the money should go to the county because “the supervisors will be accountable.”

What exactly does that mean? Will someone please tell me when the county supervisors have ever been held accountable?

When they hoodwinked the public with their hidden perks and benefits that doubled their take-home pay, were they held accountable?

When they voted to remove the mental health department from the health care agency and put it under social services, costing the county many millions, were they held accountable? Did they even acknowledge that they had made a mistake?

When they linked their salary to that of judges, taking pay raises out of the public’s view, were they held accountable?

Having watched the county supervisors over the past 10 years, I can guarantee there would be no accountability for how they spend the tobacco settlement funds.

The accountability issue is a smoke screen. The funds should be used for health care, including in-home health care for the elderly. Measure O would secure these funds for these purposes.

JERE ROBINGS

Thousand Oaks

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With the cost of billboards, a barrage of large, colorful direct-mail pieces, radio ads, TV ads and, oh yes, lawsuits, there should be just enough of the tobacco settlement money left to give the head administrators of the private hospitals a large raise. This would have the effect of putting our Ventura County Medical Center (and 95% of uninsured and poor people) at risk, unless we the taxpayers come up with more money to save it.

The opportunists are trying cash in at our expense. Don’t let this happen. Vote no on Measure O.

BARBARA HARVEY

Ojai

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I just received a mailer from the “Yes on Measure O” committee. I think this whole tobacco-settlement fund business is legalized extortion. Although I’m an ex-smoker now, I believe no person or company made me or any other smoker use tobacco. We were weak but we shouldn’t blame others for our bad choices and mistakes.

On Measure O, I believe a no vote is called for. The settlement is supposedly to reimburse the county for money it expended caring for people with tobacco-related illnesses. That health expenditure took county funds away from other pressing public needs such as police, fire, welfare and non-tobacco-related health issues. Therefore, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, our elected representatives, should decide how this reimbursement is spent using the normal budget process.

Let’s let our supervisors do their job.

CHRIS LARSON

Simi Valley

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Re “It’s the Money,” Ventura County editorial, Sept. 3.

This editorial prompted me to obtain the Measure O initiative and make up my mind. It is an eye-opener. I find your editorial analysis to be quite accurate as well as disturbing.

I, as a health care provider and voting taxpayer, want this large sum of money used wisely with reasonable access to change by way of my elected representatives. Measure O would place control of an estimated $260 million in private hands with inadequate oversight.

The Board of Supervisors has been justly criticized for its actions, but Measure O is not the answer. Lets do a better job of planning before the money is spent. Vote no on Measure O.

THEODORE G. HOSTETLER

Oxnard

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I read with great interest that county supervisors are holding public hearings on how to spend the tobacco settlement money. Why weren’t these hearings scheduled immediately after the county learned it would receive the money?

Most other counties in California long ago decided how they would spend the settlement money. I think Ventura County government’s delay is indicative of its inability to make important decisions.

At least there’s a plan for voters to make the decision for them. Thankfully Measure O was proposed and qualified for the ballot.

It is such a simple concept. Money surrendered by tobacco companies because tobacco hurt the public’s health should be used for health care services for the public. Measure O frankly mandates that the tobacco settlement money can be used only for health care. That’s why I’m voting for it.

The settlement money should benefit the public, not accumulate in a government trust while the supervisors sit on their hands and ask for help deciding.

MARY STEWART

Ventura