In the past two years, we have gone through the toughest
economic turmoil in most of our lifetimes. And in that time, Morgan
Hill has had its share of cutbacks. But, compared to most cities,
Morgan Hill is faring well, and electing Mayor Steve Tate will help
keep the city on the road to recovery.
In the past two years, we have gone through the toughest economic turmoil in most of our lifetimes. And in that time, Morgan Hill has had its share of cutbacks. But, compared to most cities, Morgan Hill is faring well, and electing Mayor Steve Tate will help keep the city on the road to recovery.
Tate has done a good job on the council dealing with the economic uncertainties plaguing every city, county and public agency in the state. Despite some of the rhetoric being tossed around, the city is living within its means and has a balanced budget. Yes, the city is using reserves to balance the budget, but if we’re not going to use them now – the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression – then when are they to be used?
Mayor Tate is extremely accessible, easy to talk to, listens to constituents and can build a consensus. He is a strong supporter of the Morgan Hill Library and the city’s recreation services, which are assailed by some but which have about a 95 percent return on investment rate, meaning for every dollar spent, the city gets back 95 cents. The value of places for teens to go after school and on weekends should not be underestimated.
Mayor Tate understands the value of the Redevelopment Agency, which has purchased numerous downtown properties that it can now sell to developers, just as it is doing with Barry Swenson Builder for two lots that include the Granada Theater, and will someday transform downtown into a vibrant, pedestrian friendly place to live, work and shop.
The competitive race for mayor has invigorated local discussion of the issues, which has been good for Morgan Hill. Marby Lee has done an admirable job, but even after four years on the council, in a meeting with the editorial board she confused general fund dollars with Redevelopment Agency dollars. We believe she is shortsighted in her lack of support for the Chamber of Commerce and her willingness to cut recreation programs or increase fees does not sit well. The multitude of recreation services are an important part of creating a safe and family-friendly community and they’re integral to the quality of life that we associate with Morgan Hill.
Art College, an accounting teacher at Evergreen Valley College, knows his numbers, but we disagree with his conclusions. The city is not in as bad a shape as he maintains. Yes, there are deficits, but the city is balancing its budget using reserves. Those levels may continue to decline until leveling off at 19 percent of general fund revenue in fiscal year 2014 and then beginning to increase in fiscal year 2015 back up to 25 percent, according to city figures. How many other cities can say that?
The city is holding its own. It’s safe, has a wonderful and vibrant downtown and has maintained that great small town feel. Allow Mayor Tate to continue to implement his vision.
