Since a majority of the subdivisions in West Sacramento do not have Home Owner Association’s governing them, how do plan to address/fund code enforcement throughout the city?
Jim Cahill
Email: jim@jimcahill.org
Website: www.jimcahill.org
Phone: (916) 531-6264
Code Enforcement efforts have never been sufficient in the eyes of most West Sacramento residents. Simply put, funding has never matched the level needed to make an impact.
In order to fully fund Code Enforcement, the General Fund spending priorities must be re-aligned. Currently, the new revenue from the Measure K sales tax is being diluted by social programs, rather than directed towards civic improvement as was intended.
It may be that, in order to fully fund Code Enforcement, we will have to scale back our efforts in other areas. With the scattered approach to funding used by the City now, it is certainly possible to consolidate our efforts. If we want to perform our Code Enforcement function well, we will have to accept that other goals, such as pursuit of Universal Preschool, will have to be forgone. We have a choice between doing many things poorly, or a few things done well.
Healthy, safe and vibrant neighborhoods require a pro-active Code Enforcement system, and a pro-active system requires significantly greater funding. While the new Code Enforcement manager seems professional and competent, so did the last two the City hired. Ultimately, hiring someone new won’t solve the problem, but taking fiscal responsibility for addressing the concerns for safer neighborhoods through better Code Enforcement will.
I will re-direct revenue to fully fund Code Enforcement, and I will not try to place responsibility for success or failure on an employee, but rather, will accept responsibility as the duty of an elected official.