Its’ ‘Freakin’ Immoral
Its’ immoral, cowardly, and just plain wrong for us to “resolve” today’s’ budget issues by passing them on to future generations. Doing so is every bit as much “taxation without … Continue reading
Holding the Bag-Pensions
Our first two “Holding the Bag” articles put the spotlight on a common yet irresponsible financial management practice – making promises to public sector employees to pay for … Continue reading
Holding the Bag – There’s More
Last week we pointed out that the La Mesa Spring Valley School District has an unfunded liability for retiree health care of almost $24,000,000. That amount of money should have … Continue reading
Who Is Left Holding LMSV $24 Million Bag?
The La Mesa Citizen Oversight Group strongly advocates that public sector governing bodies practice sound financial management. Among other things that means paying for current services with current revenues. It … Continue reading
Madrid tops SANDAG payments list with $45,650.00
We decided to follow the lead of the Mayor from a few council meetings ago in reporting on the payments of another elected official by MTS. SANDAG, the San Diego … Continue reading
La Mesa Mayor’s FOIA request on Foe
PRA Art Madrid – Ernest Ewin Stipends[1] La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid made a Freedom of Information Act request on Council member Ernie Ewin using city letterhead. Of course any … Continue reading
A Challenge to the La Mesa City Council to save $3-4 Million!
Mayor Madrid and Council members: You may have read an article in the U/T a month or two ago about a program the city of Escondido implemented to reduce the … Continue reading
Mayor again tops list for travel expenses!
La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid has again outdistanced other city council members in travel for the first half of fiscal year 2012-2013 with just under $5,000 expended. The list of … Continue reading
2013 Kicks Off with Barona Casino Retreat Junket for Local Politicos
On February 6-9 the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) will host an all expense paid retreat for the Board of Directors that includes the La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid … Continue reading
California State Controller Chiang Launches New Public Pay Website, Releases Community College Compensation
In November, State Controller John Chiang launched a completely redesigned website showing wage and benefit data for public employees across California. The renamed site – publicpay.ca.gov – offers maps, search … Continue reading
LA MESA CITIZEN OVERSIGHT GROUP 