Revitalization, crime, infrastructure, redevelopment, refineries

By William H. "Bill" Wainwright

Let's be honest, open and realistic about each of these important issues for Martinez.

Crime: Thanks to our excellent police force, Martinez's small-town character, and our favorable geographic location, we enjoy a low crime rate. Nevertheless, we need always to be on our guard so that the tragedy of drugs and delinquency do not get a foothold here as they have in neighboring communities.

Infrastructure: It's a scandal Martinez streets and recreation facilities are in such a state of disrepair. City government has failed us miserably. Instead of spending on maintenance and improvement of city infrastructure, "consultant fees" have gone to incumbents' political friends. Infrastructure is not just a question of money, but of priorities, personal integrity and management savvy.

Redevelopment is an imperfect instrument of government, in desperate need of reform. It places uncontrolled power in the hands of a few who receive most of their campaign contributions from those who would most benefit from it. The people of Martinez have been right about it. Without effective, democratic controls, it is the wrong course.

Refineries: We are a "refinery town." That cannot be changed. But we can benefit much more than we have from the refineries' presence, in terms of tax revenues for example. At the same time we must continue to stand vigilant and intractable on safety and environmental issues, holding the refineries to the highest possible standards.