Recently, aboutcambria.com wrote about a CCSD advertisement that appeared in this week’s Cambrian. What made the CCSD ad seem even more out of place was the ad on page 7, clearly labeled as a “paid political advertisement” asking Cambrians to protest the rates proposed by the CCSD. A group of Cambrians who are very concerned about how the CCSD has been run paid for this ad to share information with the rest of Cambria they think is important.
The Cambrians for Fiscal Responsibility formed recently to organize another campaign to protest the rates, a right protected by the California Constitution. Here’s their ad, in case you haven’t yet seen the paper:
There are several things that make this an effective message. The group bought a large ad, but not a full page. This size ad is difficult to miss…a full page would just be a waste of money. The contrast between the CCSD’s slick ad (a full page on page 2) and the straightforward, text only ad makes the CCSD’s ad seem even more contrived and manipulative. The CFR seems to have done their homework. They included the proposal that the previous citizen’s group had offered the CCSD as a solution and highlight the resons they think the rates should be protested. Though their bias is clear (as should be expected in a political ad) they don’t attack anyone personally or use other lower level attacks. They use facts to support their counterargument and make it clear what they are asking people to do and why.
I am not a member of the CFR and these are just my opinions. It seems to me, the question I think the CFR is asking Cambrians to answer is: Do you support the way the CCSD is doing business? Do you trust them with your money? If the answer to either question is no, the CFR thinks you should protest the new rates. (Anyone in CFR is welcome to correct or clarify these assumptions if they are wrong.)
The CCSD is still not showing much desire to build trust or consensus or any kind collaboration with people who may not agree with everything they do. Another missed opportunity to bring the community together has passed us by. But “The Public” is not going away. The watchdogs are on duty and the CCSD will have to expect to be held more accountable to the community.
The successful protest last fall did indeed make a difference in the actions of the CCSD, not all of them advantages for the average Cambrian. A majority of the ratepayers disagreed with the last increase and the CCSD was forced to go back to the drawing board and make changes. Will Cambria once again refuse to allow the CCSD to raise the rates? This remains to be seen. I’m hoping to have a protest form here on AboutCambria.com for ratepayers to download. Keep your eyes here.
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Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice
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I would rate this with five stars, Amanda.