San Bernardino – Reality Check

It seems everyone is dissatisfied with the state of the City of San Bernardino.  No matter what the issue, there are people that will come out and be upset by whichever way the outcome goes or is headed.  The city council unfortunately is reflecting this reality and a small group of disgruntled citizens (mainly upset that their access to power has been muted or cut off because they chose sides in political battles and got very active and vocal) is causing constant turmoil.

Legitimate public oversight and being an educated citizen of what is going on in your city is laudable – being a constant critic because you just don’t like some of the political players is a detriment to the City and will hold San Bernardino back.  Council people have to be especially careful in choosing their words and playing politics instead of putting the City first.  Not everybody is going to like each other – that is true in every boardroom, every team meeting, every church board – nowhere is free of interpersonal conflicts, but the council owes it to the citizens to get beyond those issues and govern in a responsible manner.

To be clear, public meetings on important subjects ARE NOT the proper forum to be launching unhinged and baseless accusations of corruption and malfeasance at political opponents.  Drawing companies that are coming to the City to offer assistance in terms of development and economic growth into internecine local political battles is borderline governing negligence.

San Bernardino is a beggar, not a chooser when it comes to business right now.  As economist Jay Prag said recently on a local radio program, “San Bernardino needs to be happy with jobs, any jobs and development, any development…” the alternative of course goes without saying….nothing.

When a new 7-11, Taco Bell, Warehouse, apartment renovation, etc. takes place in the City it should be celebrated. Not attacked as inadequate.

It took decades and many failed Mayoral administrations to get San Bernardino into this mess.  It is going to take time to get back out.  The process will happen faster if people put petty politics aside and work together for the greater good.