Re “Why advocates of city tax hike lack credibility” (March 22): I wouldn’t consider voting to approve the 1 percent sales tax increase until seeing a full ing of the city of San Diego’s financial condition by a trusted independent organization. This would include sources of revenue and a detailed listing of expenses and outflow.
How could voters possibly decide on the merits of the tax without such a report? The city’s track record of gross financial mismanagement compels this. Like Lucy tricking Charlie Brown with the football, “Trust us this time,” say those at City Hall. How many times do they think we will fall for this?
— Suzanne Mack-Loeber, Del Cerro
Reactions to this piece will likely be more piling on to the popular thought that government is overpaid, incompetent and uncaring. The editorial feeds this with selected items, largely involving elected officials. Citing these issues and the salaries of the city’s top professionals is not a fair way to characterize 13,000 folks.
Here’s another thought. Government at all levels in this country deserves credit for our stability, safety and quality of life. Studies of bureaucracy, including government, clearly identify why it can’t be perfect, but it does the job. San Diegans should think hard about the magnitude, complexity and challenges of running this town. Public demands are generally to get more and pay less, making government hard.
But challenge the assumption that the city’s workers are not competent and dedicated overall. Talk to these folks sometime and learn what they face, being under-resourced, undercompensated and underappreciated.
— Evan Becker, Point Loma
I just read your sorely needed wake-up call to our corrupt city government. This former “pedaling barrister” particularly enjoyed your bike lane observation. Thank you!
— Robert Burns, Ocean Beach
