Dennis Thomas: Modesto’s ‘seven dwarfs’ have found a cash cow

Do you remember Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs? You know: Grumpy, Dopey, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy, Doc and Happy. We have our own version in Modesto. Can you guess who they are? Here’s a hint: You can find them at City Hall. That’s right, it is our city council. Their leader is Mayor Ted “Grumpy” Brandvold. He’s the one who doesn’t like applause at council meetings. Our city council is on a mission to see how much pain homeowners can endure. They are trying to find money to fund the city budget. They have just stumbled over an unsuspected “cash cow” – city utilities; water, garbage and sewer. They are now raising every property owner’s utility bill. They already raised garbage rates, now comes water and sewer.

What’s a poor homeowner to do? You could try panhandling to pay your utility bill. Too late. The “Seven Dwarfs” passed an ordinance against panhandling. All we can do is “grin and bear it.” Unless we mount a recall, or wait until the next election. Remember their names: Brandvold, Mani Grewal, Tony Madrigal, Kristi Ah You, Bill Zoslocki, Jennie Kenoyer and Doug Ridenour – “The Seven Dwarfs.” Are they looking out for you? You decide.

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Dennis Thomas: Modesto’s ‘seven dwarfs’ have found a cash cow."