Debate over money for Merced Theatre fires up supes
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Submitted by creilly on Tue, 2008-05-13 15:19. |
Discussions among Merced County's five supervisors rarely get heated, but they did today.
The subject, of course, was money.
Each year, each supervisor gets a pot of money -- this year it's $100,000 -- called "special project funding." They're allowed to allocate the money to any community project in their district, as long as the majority of the board approves the expenditure.
Typically, supervisors split their money among several projects: $1,000 to help re-roof a community center, $5,000 to clean up graffiti, $2,000 to fix the high school pool, and so on.
Today, Supervisor Kathleen Crookham asked the board to approve giving $250,000 in special project funds to the Merced Theatre's ongoing restoration effort. Apparently, Crookham has been socking away her special project money for at least a few years intending to give a sizable sum to the theater.
The board passes most special project expenditures with no discussion. But at a quarter-million dollars, this one raised objections.
Supervisor John Pedrozo said he disagreed with the expenditure. "When I first saw this, I thought it was a typo," he said. "I support the Merced Theatre Foundation, but in these tough budgetary times, my concern is that it's excessive."
Two other supervisors agreed. "In this time of a budget crunch, I'm not sure what kind of message this sends," Supervisor Mike Nelson said. Specifically, he said he questions how the board can justify the expense when the District Attorney's Office and the sheriff's department are asking for more staff and other vital county programs could be cut altogether. "I'm just not sure that dollar amount is defensible," he said.
Supervisor Kelsey echoed Nelson and Pedrozo.
Crookham clearly thought their opposition wasn't fair. "I'm being punished for holding onto my money," she said.
Supervisor Jerry O'Banion sided with Crookham.
Ultimately, the board tabled the discussion. They'll pick it up again at their next meeting.
Debate over supervisors money
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Submitted by PG101 on Tue, 2008-05-13 22:07.
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I am not new to the area, but daily government issues don't grab my attention. But I need to know: Did anyone tell Supervisor Pedrozo how to spend his money? Doesn't he have items that were approved? Has anyone questioned his? Who determines the funds use? I want to know what expenditures he has done? What expenditures have been done by all of them? How come everyone doesn't know about these funds? Maybe instead of giving any supervisor these funds, disburse the funds to the departments that need the money. Why does Pedrozo get to pick who he wants to give funds to and no one else can. Who does he think he is? Does his district need more money he said? I have heard every board member has the same number amount of the population, isn't that right? Is he special? Is his district different?
Let's applaud Crookham for her saving funds to help the County have facilities like other out-of-town facilities. Let's thank Supervisor O'Banion for his goal for South Dos Palos. Who else is going to care about South Dos Palos? These facilities are needed in areas that would be un-served.
Aren't the board of supervisors members elected to make decisions for their county districts that meets the area needs they are elected to represent?
Pedrozo stay out of district two use of funds. This is wrong. You can't do what you want to do for you and not allow everyone else to do the same thing. The Theater is a great thing for Merced.
Money Grab
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Submitted by ATWATER1 on Wed, 2008-05-14 16:26.
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First,the money that each supervisor gets for his/her district is not "their" money. That money is intended to fund needy projects within the district.. The aim is to help as many people as possible. Ms Crookham is wrong to horde her district's money. To take all that money and spend on her pet project, no matter how worthy, is wrong. That is why it takes the agreement of the majority of the Board to give the OK.. As a lame duck supervisor, Crookham seems to have a problem with priorities.
Syndicate
I think it is advertly funny
I think it is advertly funny how, One we the taxpayers give the board of supervisors $100,000 to spend within the district they represent. However, the voters within that district, which are represented by their proposed supervisor should be allowed to vote where to allocate that money. I congradulate Mrs. Crookham for saving the money for the theater. If she spent her money wisely, and saved some when she could, which is my take from this story then she should be allowed to spend her years of saving on the project in which she sees fit. Now to my next point. I am tired of hearing about our economic down turn, and tight Califorina budget! We have to lay this person off, cut funding here or there. How about we cut from the top and work our way down. Mr. Pedroza, Mr. Nelson how about this year you take a $30,000 pay cut, give back your cell phone, and car allowace since we are in such a tight budget. $55,000 a year to be a supervisor for the county of Merced seems more fitting. Stop robbing the taxpayers! We are not a golden pot to continue a quick grab of cash. Leaders do just that they lead, lead by example. Take the paycut and stop gripping about someone else who is quite obiviously better at balancing an account than you! Take the pay cut, help out the community in which you volunteered to represent, but decided you should make $100,000 to do it. Patheic!