Dear Editor,
I must take issue with Richard Burton’s editorial about Measure K on the Oceanside ballot. Contrary to Burton’s ranting, Measure K isn’t about the right to vote. It’s about competency and accountability.
City Treasurer is an important position that manages our $350 million portfolio. The counties of Orange and San Bernardino, and the cities of Stockton and Vallejo all declared bankruptcy in part because of portfolio management problems. Let’s not let that happen to Oceanside.
Our current City Treasurer has no prior financial management experience or education that would suggest he can competently manage a $350 million portfolio. He doesn’t even have a college degree. You would not trust him to manage your retirement account, so why should we let him manage Oceanside’s accounts? One mistake or bad investment could cause the City of Oceanside to lose millions of dollars, and perhaps be forced into bankruptcy.
Burton argues that we should vote for the City Treasurer and City Clerk. Well, let me ask you, readers of Oside News: did you know anything about the people running for clerk or treasurer prior to the last time you voted? I didn’t. I’ll bet most voters don’t even know who they voted for, or who won. All I see are signs at election time. That’s no way to find a qualified person to manage a $350 million portfolio. Let’s leave such an important job to a finance professional, not the candidate who can put the most signs around town at election time!
A Yes vote for Measure K is a vote to protect Oceanside’s future. Vote yes on Measure K.
David Broomhall