Fellow Reddingites. Once again I find myself drawn to the politics of my hometown, the City of Redding. I did not make this decision to run for city council lightly. I believe that Redding is in a pivotal place in its history. Past decisions, made by well-meaning leaders, based on the information they had at the time, have put Redding in an unsustainable financial position. This along with the fact that employee unions have entered the political arena in an unprecedented manner threatens the very financial viability of our City. My sources tell me tens of thousands of dollars are going to be spent to get this union-backed “slate of three” elected. I could not sit by and watch this happen to the City I have loved all my life. Handing the keys to the city treasury to the employee unions is just not right.
I propose to develop long term solutions to our present dilemma while working through our current challenges. I would favor maintaining the framework of our city in order to ensure an easy transition once our economy and financial situation improve. We need to try to maintain the quality of life in our city and the services it provides.
I believe that city residents should benefit more from owning their own electric company. I would like to see night time electric rates lowered 10% to 20%, based on the best rate we can buy cheaper off-peak electricity. This would help everyone to manage their electric bill a little better. Older citizens on fixed incomes could do their laundry at night or turn the heat up a notch in the winter.
The financial crisis has given us the opportunity to evaluate the way we deliver services and look for more cost effective ways of operation. We need change: we need responsible spending: We need a fresh approach.
My previous experience as a Redding Planning Commissioner and a Shasta County Supervisor has given me the skills and knowledge to face this challenge.
On November 2, vote for proven leadership, vote for John Reit for city council.
Editor’s note: You can find more statements from Redding City Council candidates in A News Cafe’s Village Voices section, and check out Doni Greenberg’s coverage of a recent candidates forum here.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of anewscafe.com.
