Contra Costa Archive

Oct 24, 2009 | 0 Comments

Neiman Marcus deserves your support in Walnut Creek

Vote yes on Measure I.
by Don Blubaugh
For weeks, I have contemplated how best to write about the Walnut Creek flap over Neiman Marcus coming to town. I have a vested interest. I live here and worked hard during my tenure as city manager to help shape the future of Walnut Creek.
There are many avenues to [...]

Sep 11, 2009 | 0 Comments

Politics as it should be

In praise of civility.
by Don Blubaugh
I was riveted to the television recently watching the events of Ted Kennedy’s death and all that followed leading to his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Three things struck me about the events. First was the outpouring of love from his family members. It is easy in the world of politics [...]

Jun 20, 2009 | 0 Comments

Focus on triple bottom line is good business

America did not become a great nation by playing the victim.
by Toby Brink

Lately, news headlines have been dominated by discouraging economic news — the mortgage crisis, toxic assets, layoffs, scandals and the financial meltdown.
Yet America did not become a great nation by playing the victim. Challenging times bring opportunity. Americans always rise to the challenge.
Americans’ [...]

Jun 09, 2009 | 2 Comments

Constitutional convention needed to fix California

Desperate times call for drastic measures.
by Don Blubaugh
In May, voters soundly rejected efforts by the governor and Legislature to balance the state budget. The state is on shaking fiscal grounds. Voters no longer trust our state leaders.
How did we get here?
For years, Sacramento politicians have responded to various interest groups each wanting its piece of [...]

May 26, 2009 | 0 Comments

California is about to take local money, again

The Prop 13 hangover never ends.
By Don Blubaugh
IN 1978, WHEN voters approved Proposition 13 they set in motion intended and unintended consequences. What was intended was a reduction in property taxes that were climbing rapidly because of the inflationary spiral on housing values. Voters approved the measure and property taxes were slashed by 57 percent. [...]