March 2007

Dear Editor:


For four years, the VMA trustees kept telling Oak
Parkers not to worry about anything, that former
Manager Swenson had it all under control and that
staff would handle issues.

As a result, we have a mismanaged lead abatement
program with HUD review and possible monies to return;
a parking enforcement department in disarray
(including one felony arrest) and the parking
enforcement officers transferred (by the new Manager,
to the police department); a budget that was left in
such a chaotic state that the new Manager needed to
call in experts to get a handle on where the dollars
were... and the VMA trustee.. .at every Board meeting
said to the public we need to leave it to the staff
and Mr. Swenson.

Of course, the majority of staff are excellent
employees and it is management that sets the tone and
standards, but Trustees are responsible and
accountable for what happens.

Only one Trustee kept questioning the conduct of the
prior management and called for reviews. Robert
Milstein, VCA, called for investigations early and
often. He was stonewalled by the prior Manager and THE
VMA dominated Board. When he accused the former
Manager of lying he was vilified by the media and
mostly the VMA. Recent events have proven him right..

Will you support the VMA candidate who kept praising
the emperor’s robe or the one who tried to tell us
that the emperor had no clothes? Do you want the
trustee who kept his head in the sand or the one who
risked the wrath of the media in order to protect
citizens and tax dollars.

I want a board that will watch out for my interests as
a taxpayer. Therefore, I am voting, Milstein, Abraham,
Balanoff and Schwab.. Vision Community Action Party..
April 17...


Liz Melara