The people in Malibu who read your paper are responsible citizens who truly care about the decisions they make. But, with all the mud-slinging that’s going on, it’s hard to know what’s true.
Beverly Taki has been blasted for voting no on the bond issue. Her attackers have labeled her “anti-family” but nothing could be further from the truth. Beverly has talked with me personally about specific sites and specific plans for a park with ball fields and a multiple use center for our youth and seniors. She is for a bond issue but she is for the right bond issue.
A bond is a loan. When you pass a bond issue, the city is essentially taking out a loan. The bond issue in question called for $15 million to go into a general account to be used to acquire land for parks, ball fields and multiple use centers in Malibu. On the surface this sounds great. The problem is, it was backwards. If your teenager came to you and asked you to borrow $15,000 for a car, wouldn’t you want them to, first, pick out the car and then figure out how much they were going to put into it and then find out if other family members were willing to contribute? Wouldn’t you consider how much you wanted to put into it yourself and then negotiate the price of the car and figure out the best loan? You wouldn’t just hand the $15,000 over to your teenager and expect the perfect outcome.
In much the same manner, Malibu residents need to know what piece of property will be purchased and what amenities will be added before a bond is requested. We need to see what city funding is on hand, what private donations are available and what grants, including community reinvestment programs, can be obtained. Then we will know how much of a bond is needed.
The structure of the bond is also important and that can’t be determined until these details are in place. The way a bond is structured can save or cost the taxpayers money and this needs to be disclosed as well.
Her attackers’ suggestion that Beverly is in bed with the developers is also ludicrous. She is the only candidate whose income is directly related to the quality of life here in Malibu. She is not a developer or a commercial real estate broker. She simply sells a handful of homes every year. If those homes sell for $2 million, she makes twice as much as she would if they sold for $1 million. With her position as property owner, Malibu businesswoman and mother, she is also the best candidate to help us sort through the LCP quagmire.
Beverly Taki is meticulous, honest and has a good heart. She is also a proven leader. The issues may change but Beverly Taki will stand as a woman of integrity.
Jacky Tomlinson