People Without Jobs Can't Buy Much

By Carla Miles

"It's a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it's a depression when you lose your own." ~Harry S. Truman

In fact, I am really upset that 6,000 Vistans have lost their livelihoods, and my concern is that the number will keep increasing. People without jobs are people who cannot afford to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table.

We candidates toured the Operation Hope facility in August. HOPE opens its doors December through March to the homeless among us. They can help 50 people maximum. Many volunteers come from the city and churches to provide meals and tutor children or give job assistance, and it is all very welcome according to CEO Jean Cole and Director of Operations Russell Blackwood.

But Vista Unified says there are at least 2,500 homeless children (that they know of) in the 2009-2010 school year. It has increased by 925% from 2007.

If that isn't a big red flag in our face, well I don't know what would be.

With so many neighbors and friends facing sudden, unexpected and very significant challenges, I believe we have to make changes so people can pay the rent or mortgage and actually continue to shop for goods/services here in Vista.

GOAL #1: Can we make Vista into THE BEST PLACE to do business here in California? Can we convince owners to re-locate/expand here in Vista by maybe cutting red tape and making it an easy executive decision for whoever controls the cash and is waiting until times "get better?"

GOAL #2: How about incentives for hiring Vistans?

This December city officials say the BMW dealership will be opening where the old Circuit City used to be. With that new business there is an anticipation of the city gaining (estimated over 30 years) between $32.2 million and $43 million in base rent, percentage rent, sales tax, and tax increment. Some Vistans may get hired at the BMW dealership then, and that would be great.

In our Vista charter preamble, it says we are "...firm in the conviction that the economic and fiscal independence of our local government will better serve and promote the health, safety and welfare of all the citizens of this City..."

Many are looking for local officials to do just that this year: "...BETTER SERVE AND PROMOTE...."

Please consider me this year for city council. I will work hard to put the "service" back into the phrase "public service."