From In the News... SUN's Voice of the People

Voice of the People...

Leave with dignity

Former Grand Terrace city manager Tom Schwab says he quashed an investigation of acting city manager Steve Berry because, "We have never had even one hint of scandal in our city's history, and to have our assistant city manager charged with embezzlement ." This brings into question Mr. Schwab's integrity, decision-making abilities and the timing of bringing it to light now.

The matter was "cleared" by exceptional means and the City Council was not advised. Mr. Schwab's justification that "I would imagine the City Council may have insisted that I fire (Berry) if the thing came to light, and I didn't want that to happen," is an exculpatory justification for his bone-headed decision.

Mr. Schwab exacerbates the matter by stating "I found that Steve severely lacks a sense of ethics and integrity." Mr. Schwab is calling this kettle black.

Mr. Schwab's decision to quash the investigation and bring it to light now demonstrates that he didn't learn all he needed to learn the past 20 years.

His judgment was blurred then and continues now as he attempts his character assassination of Mr. Berry.

Mr. Schwab, take the $177,000 payment and leave with some dignity.

ERNIE GARCIA Redlands

Voice of the People
Vote them out
Posted: 07/07/2009 05:05:26 PM PDT

Re: "Colton school board OKs longer terms," June 27.
What an outrage!

If the Colton Joint Unified School District board gets away with this trick, why do we bother to hold elections? Why not have a king, some czars and a few appointed princes?

These people regard themselves as some sort of royalty as it is.

These are the same folk who just a couple of months ago were poking the citizens of Grand Terrace in the eye over the naming of the new high school.

It is the American way to express our outrage at the poor judgment so recently displayed.

They say it would save $50,000 to delay the election. Nonsense! Since when did $50,000 stand in the way of the citizenry's right to hold a valid election?

The citizens have a right to express their views. The school board has already been given an extra year.

Enough already!

I say to the citizens within the Colton Joint Unified School District, this is your chance to poke a few eyes. A complete change of these folks would be healthy!

DAVID C. FACE Colton