Regarding “Why city tax hike proponents have no credibility” (March 22): Until I see a complete accounting of the City of San Diego's financial situation from a reliable, independent organization, I believe that the 1% spending I'm not considering voting to approve a tax increase. This includes your sources of income and a detailed list of your expenses and outflows.
Without such a report, how could voters judge the merits of the tax? The city's record of gross fiscal mismanagement compels them to do so. “Trust us this time,” the people at City Hall say, just as Lucy tricked Charlie Brown with the soccer ball. How many times do they think we'll fall for this?
— Suzanne Mack-Rover, Del Cerro
The reaction to this article is likely to echo the general idea that the government is overpaid, incompetent, and uncaring. Editorials feed into this with selected items that primarily involve elected officials. Citing these issues and the salaries of the city's top professionals is not a fair way to characterize 13,000 people.
Here's another thought. This country's governments at all levels deserve credit for our stability, security, and quality of life. Research on bureaucracy, including government, clearly identifies the reasons why bureaucracies work, although they are not perfect. San Diegans need to reflect on the scale, complexity, and challenges of running this city. In general, people's demands to earn more and pay less create challenges for governments.
But challenge the assumption that the city's workforce as a whole is not competent or dedicated. Talk to these people from time to time and learn that they face problems of being under-resourced, under-compensated, and undervalued.
— Evan Becker, Point Loma
I just read your much-needed wake-up call to our corrupt city government. This former “cycling lawyer” particularly enjoyed observing the bike lanes. thank you!
— Robert Burns, Ocean Beach
