Monday, Aug. 23, 2010

Paul Riso: Voice objection to landscaping fee

Wake up Los Banos! Snooze and you lose. They caught us snoozing again.

What am I talking about?

I attended a City Council meeting on Aug. 4 because a friend told me that the council wanted to raise the fees again for landscaping and lighting. They know we are not paying attention as they passed the so-called budget two months earlier.

When I was at the meeting I got up to ask about the rumor that all Los Banos residents have a money tree in their back yards. I wanted to inform them that I didn't have one and that because the cost of living is going up they should vote no on raising the fees and find another way to get the money.

Well, you know what happened. If you don't know, find out. And find out who voted and how they voted.

I am not a spring chicken. I live on Social Security. As we all know, it is not secure. I've wondered what the stink was around City Hall. Then it dawned on me, they left the barn door open. As a result, our prized cow worth nearly $2 million just disappeared. Once again, the money came out of our pockets.

We need responsible people to guard us while we snooze. I am of the old school when there was such a thing as respect. One of the old sayings was: "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

Well, I am ashamed they fooled us twice. If you want to tell the City Council what you think about the increase call 827-7000, Ext 0.

Paul Riso

Los Banos