Bring us together

To the Editor:

My family has resided in Tuolumne County for over 50 years. Without soliciting opinions, I have received a lot of feedback on issues in this county. The most recent was regarding the homeless, stating that the problem is we must have more community awareness. This community is very aware of the homeless situation.

Another opinion often expressed is how our tax dollars are mismanaged. We see a lot of spending in areas not needed, and funds are not spent in areas that are seriously needed. The homeless situation is out of control because the responsibility has been ignored by our supervising board. We as a community have worked hard to help the homeless. However, it takes all parties to help improve this serious situation. We as a community see a lot of poor management in spending by our board. The Larry Cope situation is a glaring example. We knew after that atrocity that programs would be cut, and the board would be requesting an increase in taxes to support them.

Our tax dollars pay the board’s salaries. In other words, you are our employees. However, when a member of our community goes before the board with a concern, and the board is uncomfortable with what is being expressed, they are told that a board member would talk to them in private. Each community member is allowed only three minutes to speak, after which a bell rings. I can understand keeping meetings on schedule. However, the opinions I hear are that the community often feels that the board is disrespecting them.

What can be done to bring this community and board together to make Tuolumne County more compatible for all parties involved?

Ruth Walter

Sonora