Oakdale's lost opportunity

The new Oakdale City Council should focus on bringing in businesses and creating jobs instead of trying to scare people into voting for a sales tax increase. They dropped the ball by losing 1,000 Blue Diamond jobs to Turlock. Due to nondisclosure agreements, not many people knew Oakdale was the front runner in landing those 1,000 jobs. We were a full year in front of Turlock. Blue Diamond was already here, zoning was in place south of Sconza, landowners were on board, infrastructure was there, and the funding sources were identified. But all the distractions, turmoil and lack of leadership the last 11 months allowed Turlock to catch up.

Turlock's City Council demonstrated the leadership and unity, and won. Those 1,000 lost jobs are the equivalent of two Hershey plants or another ConAgra plant. That would have set Oakdale's future and tax base for years to come. The lack of leadership and follow through from this new council has cost the residents of Oakdale dearly. Hold this new City Council accountable; require them to spend within their means, and to focus on job creation opportunities. No on Measure O!

FARRELL JACKSON
Oakdale