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Costs vs. Sources 2008 - Amador County, Calif.
Feb. 05 2008 - Question? How bad does it have to get before WE do something?
“What about the Costs ??? (Cries from the chorus- )
A college campus, now, not “20 or 10 years from now…maybe”
Emergency Services properly funded
Fire Services properly funded
Historic stuff
Police Services properly funded
Schools
Traffic mitigation issues
What about funding sources ??? ” (The chorus subsides- )
First, there are a lot of things the average citizen can do to “change” government;
BIZ Zones: tax incentives for green and clean businesses
Neighborhood watches encouraged
Organize Average Citizens, listen, decide most sensible approach
Regional planning, less piece meal planning
Unifying Our positions
Volunteer, for anything
Second, there are going to be problems bigger than one small county can tackle, better to partner with larger entities with similar needs like; Example A, “Dam extension on Bear River (pending EIR on environment)” AWA is already pushing this one, and the three counties considering the plan. Let’s face it, We are going to need more water one way or another. Might as well plan now and pay cheaper, than no plan and hide Our heads in the sand until it’s too late or too costly… Example B, “More Casino(s) funding for mitigating” Take the deal the Buena Vista Tribe has generously offered a $180 million dollar package* Pay for some of the costs mentioned above, that pays for a lot of infrastructure if it is spent wisely. Another Instance? The city of Plymouth was offered approximately $85 million dollars to “mitigate” a casino there from the Ione Band. Take some of that money, match that with state funds and build the a community college there, maybe add some agriculture stuff from UOP and UC Davis? Make it relevant and proactive, add the “BIZ-Zones” close by, so training and apprenticeship programs can be established. Perhaps all three Tribes would consider a partnership to fund if a “Native American Studies” department is built?
Finally some issues are on a grander scale, like National issues(s); Immigration issues & Health care services, to mention just a few. Yet, We continue to “bury Our heads in the sands of complacency” on these and so many important issues facing Us and Our children. We the People need to decide Our future in Amador, not have it decided for Us.
* ( $18 million lump sum, $2 million +/- legal fees, and $8 million a year. In just ten years, that’s $80 million, a twenty year compact? $160 million dollars to the county, or a possible $180 million total)
© 2008 Mike W. Boitano - All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without written permission.
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