It's time for a change in the Half Moon Bay City Council

By Harvey Rarback

Our present City Council members act in unison to make poor decisions that waste our money and disrespect our laws.

Again, last August a judge found the City violated its own coastal protection regulations by clearing stream vegetation without a permit. The City settled this lawsuit for over $300,000 after spending $100,000 to defend itself in court, expenses that easily could have been avoided. These two episodes are emblematic of an approach to governing that (1) flouts our laws; (2) wastes our tax dollars; and (3) threatens our land. It doesn't have to be this way, however. We can elect John Ullom and Harvey Rarback to the Half Moon Bay City Council on November 6. John Ullom is a local small business owner and entrepreneur who understands that bureaucrats aren't always candid and that higher taxes don't always bring higher-quality government. Harvey Rarback is a retired scientist used to making analytical judgments based on facts, not wishes. He'd never support spending your tax dollars on a redundant Emergency Operations Center, when the City can access an adequate facility right now. Both John Ullom and Harvey Rarback understand we're obligated to respect our laws and to live within our means. They care deeply about the natural beauty that attracts residents and visitors to invest in and enrich our community.

We need John Ullom and Harvey Rarback to help Half Moon Bay confront such challenging issues as keeping our community safe; managing the conversion of nursery properties to new uses; developing reclaimed water to extend our fresh water resources; and encouraging appropriately located development that respects property owners' rights while protecting our scenic open spaces and recreational opportunities.

Folks, it's time to start thinking, make smarter choices, and demand that our City Council do so as well. Vote for John Ullom and Harvey Rarback on November 6.