Politics & Government

Letter to the Editor: Bringing Light to Ward's Claim

Hercules resident, retired school administrator and recall leader Lori Chinn endorses recall City Council candidate William Wilkins.

Joanne Ward has been a member of the Hercules City Council since 2000. As stated
in the May 5, 2011 Contra Costa editorial, Joanne Ward unfortunately “participated
in the financial destruction of Hercules and ignored the unethical behavior in City
Hall…Ward claims she was kept in the dark.” Ward does not take any responsibilities
for actions she took that caused this financial mess.

In Ward’s recent mailer, her only mentioned accomplishment was the building of
the Hercules library. The citizens appreciate having a library, but how about having
sufficient funds to keep the library open with appropriate staffing?

Because of the financial crises faced by Hercules, 25 staff members had to be laid off.
There is a strong possibility for a need of additional layoffs. There is a general fund
short fall for next year’s budget of $3,500,000 which does not include the $1,400,000
Redevelopment Agency bond payments due from the General Fund.

Ward did not provide any leadership in the past and has not demonstrated her ability
to provide the much needed leadership in the future. She is in extreme denial of her
role in creating this serious financial meltdown faced by the citizens of Hercules.

It makes sense to recall Ward. The Contra Costa Times has endorsed William
Wilkins “who has worked in local government for 35 years, much of the time for
city redevelopment agencies. His keen understanding of the city’s finances and
redevelopment problems will be a huge asset on the council.” Additionally the
editorial stated that “Wilkins is far superior.”

I concur and encourage Hercules citizens to vote for William Wilkins on the June
7, 2011 election. Wilkins will be a strong asset to the City Council and provide the
much needed light.

The Hercules voters should also vote for the reformers Gerard Boulanger and Dan
Romero who were also endorsed by the Times.


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