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The recent performance of the mayor and Beaumont City Council majority leaves much to be desired, and it serves as a stark reminder of why this newspaper staunchly opposed Prop A in the recent election.
While voters have consistently expressed a clear desire for term limits, voters rightly rejected a proposal that seemed more like a political maneuver than a genuine effort to serve the public interest. The defeat of Prop A, which would have extended terms from two years to four years camouflaged by term limits with exceptions, should be a wakeup call for our elected officials, a reminder that the citizens of Beaumont expect them to prioritize the needs of the community over their own self-interests.
A chief concern among our elected leaders – if the public were truly the center of their efforts – should be the everincreasing crime rate this mayor and council has ineptly addressed, while they instead focus their efforts on a push for longer terms of office. The primary purpose of government is to provide infrastructure and safety, yet Beaumont continues to rant as one of the most crimeridden places in the nation.
Daily reports from residents about unsafe water and clogged sewer lines causing backups elicit a seemingly similar lackadaisical response from the city council. Instead of addressing these critical issues, the council appears more focused on cosmetic solutions.
The claim that record amounts (of our tax dollars) are being spent on infrastructure is, at best, exaggerated and, in reality, is showcased in the approved budget to clean out the city’s savings account and relies on an estimated $10 million in tax revenue from increased appraisals to balance.
Mayor West’s statement impressing that, although the city is in a deficit, “This is much like reaching into our savings account,” is a short-sighted approach that leaves Beaumont vulnerable in the face of unforeseen emergencies, demonstrating a lack of fiscal responsibility.
Adding insult to injury, council recently approved base wage and compensation increases valuing over $115,000 for four city administrative employees – all of whom are already at the top of the food chain on the municipality’s payroll. Meanwhile, the men and women in the rank-and-file of the city earn less than a living wage, raking in $10 – $15 per hour to keep the city going and providing the services that we receive.
We implore the citizens of Beaumont to remain vigilant and vocal. If your water is discolored, your sewer is overflowing, or your councilmember is unresponsive, let your concerns be heard.
An election looms on the horizon, and it is essential that we hold this administration accountable. Representative government thrives when elected officials remain true to their campaign promises and prioritize the well-being of the community. As we move forward, let us send a strong message to the mayor and Beaumont City Council: We will not tolerate a lack of accountability.
As with the defeat of Prop A, if the public servants fail to serve the public interest, the community must be ready to reject them, as well. Call our hotline at (409) 832-1400 or email editor@theexaminer.com to voice your concerns. Together, we can ensure that Beaumont gets the leadership it deserves – for the good of our community.