Corruption in Oxnard: 70,000 Reasons To Be Angry

Corruption has been around forever. It occurs at all levels of society: in government, business, school and to some extent even within families.

Corruption is basically taking what you can get at the expense of your integrity. It's become commonplace in all organized groups, however, there are two things that thrust corruption into the media spotlight: shameless greed and big money.

On August 13, FBI agents and members of the District Attorney's office stormed Oxnard City Hall. The allegations range from misappropriation of public funds to conflict of interest, just to name a few. This investigation will require months of sifting through documents obtained from City Hall and officials' homes.

Who spends $70,000 on a party in this recession? Apparently, Oxnard City Hall does. Where is all the money that funds our schools and facilities for the homeless or disabled veterans? Shrimp platters and ice sculptures?

I think that the officials responsible for such crude acts should be removed from their positions and banned from ever running for public office again.

They have used our tax dollars to take personal trips, fund parties and enjoy themselves at our expense. I am sure that actions like these are difficult to monitor, but there needs to be an oversight strategy in place for vital offices like these.

What they need to do is open a public forum and have the people decide what should happen to those companies that were on the receiving end of those funds. We need to have more oversight and control over our local government. We want leaders that can lead us to success not to failure and bankruptcy.

We need to break up the gang of political thugs running this city and stealing money when we need it most.

Jose Cuervo Sosa is an addiction therapist, a student and a concerned citizen.

"With all that's happening in government, with high salaries and budget crisis, I think that having city hall raided is good because it shows that they are being investigated," said Sosa. "They need to let the public know why and what they are investigating and what the final outcome will be. This concerns me because I'm a taxpayer."

The citizens have lost the battle against injustice. When officials begin to prioritize the wellbeing of their communities above the well being of their income growth, citizens will no longer have to fight their own leaders.

There is no realistic end to corruption around the world, but there can be a halt to corruption in our own backyards. We can vote the corrupt out and vote those with more integrity into office.

The thugs who ruin our city will have to pay for it one way or another.