Chevron & the City of El Segundo

By Mike Dugan

This issue has been mishandled and as a result has divided the community and created a public mess. The citizens of El Segundo deserve better leadership and I will make sure that our city doesn't mishandle future issues with residents or businesses.

It's the responsibility of any good business to pay all assessed taxes and fees. It's the responsibility of any good municipality to properly assess all taxes and fees. If this happens, all parties have met their obligations and everything is balanced.

Now, if for any reason either side of an agreement wants to change anything, they need to contact the other side and share their reasons for change. And all parties need to work in good faith to seek resolution. The process demands proper diplomacy and requires that all parties maintain constructive dialogues throughout negotiations. And if this fails to produce a satisfactory result, there are always legal avenues to pursue resolution.

I believe that Chevron has rightfully paid all of their assessed taxes and fees. I believe that the city is rightfully looking to change Chevron's assessment. I know that there is a plan in place to do just that with a June 1st deadline. It's unfortunate and, quite frankly unacceptable, that the path this issue has taken has tarnished Chevron's reputation. This issue has been mishandled by the city and as a result has divided the community and created a public mess.

We need to learn from our mistakes. Proper protocol and diplomacy need to be restored to city management. The citizens of El Segundo deserve better leadership and I will make sure that our city doesn't mishandle future issues with residents or businesses.