Hannelore Rose: Atwater whistling past graveyard

This election Atwater has the opportunity to put an end to the terrible mismanagement of the city. Residents have been sold a bill of goods by the mayor and the city manager, who talk about our financial road to recovery when actually both travel down a scary road, as they whistle past the graveyard. They proudly point to the present balanced budget, neglecting the fact it was achieved by a $5 million loan from the sewer fund; they ignore the last city audit that questioned whether the city will even continue as a going concern.

Mayor candidate Jim Price has no vague or evasive political answers; he has a solid plan for recovery – privatize park maintenance, just as Merced does; demand detailed monthly financial reports and actually read them; explore new ideas to reduce the $2.6 million spent yearly in retirement costs. Implement a defined benefit plan or an equivalent 401c. Price has something lacking in Joan Faul – a comprehensive plan for Atwater’s recovery. He will reverse the financial death spiral the city’s present leadership is heading and will restore confidence in local government.

This story was originally published October 28, 2014 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Hannelore Rose: Atwater whistling past graveyard."