Is there any money to fight graffiti and vandalism, or just bus shelters?

The City of Benicia has asked for their share of President Obama's stimulus package pie. Admittedly, many of these requests have merit. But, don't you think the City should reserve just a little bit of that money to fight Benicia's graffiti and vandalism problem? Do you think the battle to keep our neighborhood's safe and blight-free might just be a higher priority than bus shelters?

Now, I'm not suggesting that the the idea of funding bus shelters should be thrown out. What I am saying is this: Is it just lip service when the City keeps telling us that there is no money for graffiti cameras? I hope not.

I've done just a little research on this and have found camera solutions costing as little as $300. That's right... $300!! How much is a bus shelter? And besides, I will take bets that the proposed bus shelters will be victimized by vandalism and graffiti, costing much more than $300.

Where is the Benicia City Council's priorities? It will soon be "show time". Time tells all...time to put their money where their collective mouths are.

..Ross Sagun

from the Times-Herald:



So far, the city has applied for:

* $400,000 to resurface East Second Street from Lake Herman Road to west of Park Road;

* $4 million to develop a water reuse project for the Valero refinery;

* $2 million to install an ionic exchange system to cleanse the city's drinking water;

* $130,000 to create a Sky Valley rainwater management plan to help keep pollution out of Benicia's water supply.

Other projects the city hopes to identify or secure funds for include a new police station, more police officers, fire station renovations, a hiking trail, a bus shelter and a library expansion project, among other things.

Contact staff writer Tony Burchyns at tburchyns@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6831.
Times Herald