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As I follow the news at the local, state and national levels, I am upset by the lack of response to the public by our elected officials. We have told them, loud and clear, that they work for us, we don't work for them. Yet, they all continue to ignore us.
On the local scene, our Board of Supervisors continues their silence about the AtPac lawsuit and the obscene amounts of money ($2.2+ million) they have allocated to it. Not one of them has spoken to us, the taxpayer, as to what they are trying to accomplish. We know that they are in mediation as this is being written.
We know that as soon as our County Clerk/Recorder finished his deposition that AtPac filed for a summary judgment with the Federal Court. And, we know that as soon as that action was filed, the County requested immediate mediation and has refused to release the deposition of the County Clerk/Recorder. Why?
If an agreement is reached, will it contain a confidentiality agreement that will keep the citizens of Nevada County from seeing who was responsible for this fiasco? Will anyone at the Rood Center be reprimanded or fired for their participation in causing this lawsuit?
I have read all the documents that are public record and though I have no legal experience, it seems clear from the Federal judge's rulings that there was "a willful destruction of relevant evidence" by county employees. Those are the judge's words, not mine.
Will we ever get the truth or will this just wind up as another government cover-up? It's up to us, the taxpayers, to keep demanding the truth and a transparent government.
Our state is going down hill fast, as we are all aware. The majority party wants to tax more and spend more...as usual. Fortunately, our Governor has vetoed the latest budget as it did nothing to help our state. However, both sides seem to be locked in a battle to the death (of our state) and are unwilling to compromise. Can the problems be solved by common sense? Yes. But, where are those with that mind set?
As the Federal government heads into its largest financial crisis since the great depression of the 1930's, we wait for our current administration to present a budget, which they have not done since our President was elected.
On November 2, 2010, the public spoke loud and clear. No more tax increases! Cut spending! Don't spend more than you have! If we the citizens have to sacrifice, so do our representatives and our government! How much clearer can it be said?
It is common knowledge that we are at the limit of our financial security. If our financial crisis worsens, the interest rates our government pays on its debt will increase, which affects all of us. Look how the prices of everything we buy has gone up in just the last year. Our unemployment rate hovers at over 9%, with many more not even looking for jobs. Federal, state and local regulations are strangling business and causing many to close,
Just drive down Mill Street or Broad Street and see how some of our favorite businesses have closed. Talk to your neighbors and friends and ask how well they are doing in this economy. Look at the homes for sale or ones that have been foreclosed.
Are we better off than we were a couple of years ago?
I am frequently asked, "How did all this all happen?" It happened because we were not paying attention. All of us are guilty! We voted for "our guy or gal", or someone who told us what we wanted to hear, or someone who looked the part. We did not educate ourselves on the issues. We did not follow-up on those we elected to make sure they were doing what they promised. We didn't send letters to the editor, make phone calls, send emails and letters to our elected representatives, to tell them that we approve or disapprove of their actions.
Can all this be turned around? Yes! The Tea Party Patriots around the country are working hard to do just that. With over 3,600 chapters just like ours, we fight every day, seven days a week to make sure that this insanity stops. But, you must do you part and that means getting involved at the local, state and federal levels. We get great turn-outs at our events, but what else can you do? Can you volunteer a couple of hours a week? Would you like to do it from you home? Can you attend meetings of the Board of Supervisors, city council, or a school board? You can also run for public office, such as a Board of Education seat, the planning commission or one of the many other offices that are seeking good citizens to participate. This is how you make a difference. Sitting home complaining doesn't work anymore.
Many of you are working hard towards our mutual goals, and for that we are all grateful. This is going to be a very hard and long battle that will take us many years to win. Elaine and I are in this battle for our grandchildren and future generations. Will you join us?
Stan Meckler, President
Nevada County Tea Party Patriots
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