WHO SPEAKS FOR GLENDALE CITIZENS?
Government union workers demand better pay, pensions and benefits. Yet, the resources to pay for those demands come from homeowners, renters and merchants. Government workers have a Union to speak for them. But, who speaks for the citizens – the struggling homeowners, renters and merchants? Certainly not our elected officials who just raised our electric and water rates and issued new bonds and are continually searching for new sources of revenue in order to pay for unsustainable salaries and pensions for the unionized work-force. Is this fair?
Trade groups, chambers of commerce, and other special interest groups have not provided the necessary support on behalf of Glendale Citizens. THE GLENDALE COALITION FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT is a non-partisan, non-profit all new grass roots volunteer organization formed to counterbalance these special interests that influence our local government decisions.
A significant amount of Glendale Water and Power revenue is transferred annually to Non-GWP related city departments. To make up for the shortfall, council members increase our utility rates and approve new debt in order to keep the utility company afloat and to maintain the infrastructure of the city. Essential needed city services for parks, libraries, and roads are years behind in both maintenance and repairs.
Government unions and large developers are well represented on council decisions. As a result, roughly one-third of the city payroll has employees who now earn annual salaries between $100,000 and $250,000 with comparable lifetime pensions and medical benefits to match.
The median income for Glendale City Residents in 2012 was $53,000 vs. the current work force salary and pension. It is simply wrong when city employee unions dole out thousands of dollars to candidates who consistently support the union interest instead of the public interest. Who is looking out for the average citizen?
Because the Coalition is an all volunteer grass roots organization, your membership is vital and any contribution you can provide will help to underwrite the cost of its mission and strengthen its operations to better deliver its message and to be a voice for all Glendalians.
The Coalition invites you to attend one of their meetings. I’ve joined and I hope you will too. Please, go to their website to learn more about this worthwhile organization of concerned Glendale citizens.
