The following letter to the editor was published in the El Segundo Herald newspaper (HeraldPublications.com) on Thursday, January 12, 2012 in the Letters section on pages 2 and 14. The El Segundo Herald has a strict 250-word limit, including the title.
Community Values Good Neighbor Company
As a 16 year resident of El Segundo, I can tell you that one of the nicest things about living here what is the sense of community and connection here. Local residents devote enormous amounts of time to preserve our cherished quality of life. Local businesses provide financial and other resources to support our children, schools and non-profit groups. The Chevron refinery is at the top of the list of good neighbor companies that can always be counted on to step up when the need arises and is a major benefactor for many of the groups and events that make this a great place to live. Those needs have been significant, including the recently donated beachfront for a lifeguard station and the Fourth of July fireworks, which Chevron underwrote. They have supported school bond issues in addition to being the city’s largest payer of all taxes.
Nothing I’ve heard so far convinces me that quadrupling Chevron’s taxes overnight is in our best interest, especially when the city has a balanced budget and a history of getting financial support from the company help is requested. I fear that if the City Council proceeds with this plan, there will be unintended consequences that will adversely affect our community. Leaders in our city normally operate within honor and integrity, and I hope they will continue to do so. I ask that the Council please not rush to judgment on this issue.
Edie Rice
El Segundo Police Officers' Association (ESPOA) Exposed