"Signal Hill Community First," a New Local Non-Profit Organization is Launched

Working together to put the interests of the community first

Working Together

We all share a responsibility to keep city governments accountable to local residents and businesses. Working together we can keep Signal Hill an affordable, pleasant, and safe place to live and do business.

To subscribe go to:  Signal Hill Community First , leave a comment

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011

Mission Statement

Working to put the interests of the community of Signal Hill, California first in the decisions that affect our Quality of Life, Property Values and the Cost of Living in this small city.

We do this by making our voices heard through increased public participation in city affairs to:

• Achieve greater transparency and open government.
• Achieve greater fiscal responsibility to keep public service costs down and create new revenue sources.
• Ensure that all impacts of development be included in project costs.
• Ensure fairness, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness in city operations.
• Inspire and empower residents to participate in city affairs.

Can't Let Signal Hill be the next Bell

July 21, 2011 By Maria Harris 

The lifeblood of an open, transparent and accountable democracy is active citizen participation.  Just look at what happened in the cities of Bell, Montebello, Cudahy or Vernon where those residents/citizens were not paying attention. We can’t let that happen in Signal Hill.  We need to ask tough questions, give fair and reasoned criticism, and suggest alternatives.  Keep the city government accountable to us.
In a recent council meeting, I pointed out that the 2011/2012 budget is based on “rosy” assumptions about revenues and other questionable budgeting practices. None of these tactics are illegal. But, they hide the true state of the city’s financial health.  THE CITY IS SPENDING MORE THEN IT RECEIVES IN REVENUE.  Councilman Ed Wilson publicly acknowledged this fact. It wasn’t news to him.
But, it is news to us — Signal Hill residents, businesses, property owners and taxpayers. It took an active citizenry to bring that fact to light. And, it’s the sort of information that is vital to know in order for us to protect our quality of life, public safety, property values and the cost of living in this small city.
Click here to view Maria Harris’s commentary in its original context.


       ---  MEH, Originally Posted on Signal Hill Voice by Matt Simmons of Signal Hill