Democracy Adjustments . . .

In our City of Rialto, California, we have an election slated for March 5th to either extend an 8% Utility User Tax for another five years or to rescind it. Since the city has also gotten into some deal to double our water rates in the next four years to basically lure in and keep a housing developer, this seems to be a bad time to ask for and keep more of our small city's taxpayer money. Yet, they are and the voter guides and booklets have hit the mailbox and the powers that be that are in favor of the 8% extension is hoping this 'small' election results in a small turn out with only those in favor coming out to barter our future money for another five years. A nice move during a time when are told to tighten our belts and get through the turmoil . . . and they add to the turmoil.

Okay, cities seldom have the most honest of 'rulers' and usually don't see past the dollar signs. I'm fine with letting all my friends know about this and praying for the best result. Many of us could use a decrease in utility costs. The voter pamphlet is by the door and our calendar is marked to vote aggressively against this measure. End of subject . . .

Well, not quite as the city has yet another trick up their sleeve. Today, we get another voter pamphlet in the mail for a special primary election for a State Senate seat. Said voting is scheduled for exactly a week after the one mentioned above. You  have to wonder at the minds behind this. Just the cost, alone, in printing and mailing a second ballot should have given our city politicians pause. The cost of hiring staff to man the voting places should have given our city politician pause. Why would they go to double the expense to have two small elections scheduled like that? Could it be that they hope the first voting for the Utility User Tax might slip by the voters so they can make sure all those in favor of keeping the eight percent increase can cast their affirmative vote and seal the deal?

At a time when money is a problem for everyone, shouldn't the citizen be given ample time and opportunity to make a decision . . . the democratic way? Seems like democracy, today, can be adjusted to meet governing criteria.