INTEGRITY FIRST, ACCOUNTABILITY ALWAYS

By Eugene L. "Gene" Vickery

The year 2000 brings time for a change in our local government.

I am running for City Council, not as a politician, but rather as a public servant. I believe in doing the job right, and using the proper tools to accomplish it. I enjoy a reputation in the community for being analytical and able to look at all sides of issues before deciding on the best plans of action. Of even greater importance is the morality and esteem with which citizens are treated.

I served a 32 year career as a professional fire fighter, and retired from the Los Angeles County Fire Department as a Battalion Chief. This experience, especially in management, has given me a good background in how government SHOULD operate, and how it SHOULD best serve the people. Being a fire fighter often involves being able to function effectively in chaotic situations. And as a fire fighter I most certainly learned the importance of being responsive to public needs.

I served an elected four-year term on the Stallion Springs Community Services District Board of Directors, two of which were as Chairman. Thus I have an understanding of providing the services of roads, water, sewer, police protection, and of course fire protection because of my career.

I have been a general aviation pilot for forty-seven years. Flying is a technical activity. It involves a great deal of self-discipline, the ability to deal with changing situations, and a full understanding of the consequences of your actions.

I feel that our community should be one in which we can take pride. I think our downtown area should be revived to provide a charming village atmosphere. Mayor Rombouts CLAIMS to be in favor of this also, but the years-long existence of his abandoned burned-out "Stockyard" restaurant speaks otherwise. Where is the integrity in that? Mayor Rombouts chose to use the insurance settlement money from the fire in his restaurant to invest in the development of his industrial properties instead. I suggest you take a look at the web site http://tehachapi.cc for more information.

Two separate investigations have revealed financial improprieties in the airport enterprise fund. The City Council, City Manager, and the City Attorney are not responding to these findings openly. They continue to try to make this issue "go away". They have appointed two members of the council (Franklin and Teel) to the Airport Commission to stifle any further investigation, and so that the commission can be controlled. Why not bring this issue out in the open and let everyone examine it? Is this being responsible with our tax dollars?

THE YEAR 2000 BRINGS TIME FOR A CHANGE. With my background and qualifications I offer improvement to these, and other government functions. I BELIEVE MOST OF ALL THAT OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE INTEGRITY, RESPONSIVENESS, AND SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY. LET'S TAKE PRIDE, NOT ONLY IN OUR CITY, BUT IN OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS WELL.

IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO HAVE YOUR VOTE, AND TO REPRESENT YOUR BEST INTERESTS ON THE CITY COUNCIL.