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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michelle Hasendonckx EdD
CSU Channel Islands
President
Maria Thayer MBA
Moorpark College
Treasurer
Alejandra Mahoney
Ret. People’s Self-Help Housing
Secretary
Jamshid Damooei PhD
California Lutheran University
Yesenia DeCasaus
UDWA
Gabe Escobedo, MA
UCSB Dept. of Recreation
Scott Fina, PhD
Vincentian Solidarity Office
Mireille Vargas
Ventura County Sustainability Div.
Jeremy Myer MPH
Child Development Resources
STAFF
Hazel Davalos
Lucas Zucker
Co-Directors
Cameron Yee
Operations & Research Director
Stanley Tzankov
Donor Relations Manager
Vicky Curtis
Finance Administrator
Zulema Aleman
Ken Fujimoto
Associate Organizing Directors
Lucia Marquez
Associate Policy Director
Jay Chotirmal
Communications Manager
Elma Del Aguila
Civic Engagement Manager
Community Organizers
Alex Garcia
Monse Garcia-Jimenez
Fabiola Gomez
Odette Moran Lopez
Geo Lucero
Daniel Segura
Policy Advocates
Nidia Bello
Erica Diaz-Cervantes
Kristian Nunez
Sofi Magallon
Maria Navarro
Frank Rodriguez
Maria Navarro
4225 Saviers Rd. #1
Oxnard, CA 93033
[email protected]
805-816-7456
November 7, 2023
City of Oxnard
Office of the City Clerk
305 West Third Street
Oxnard, CA 93030
Subject: Opposition to Privatization of Licensing Department
Dear Mayor Zaragoza and Esteemed Councilmembers,
I am writing to you as a concerned member of the Oxnard community and a representative of CAUSE, a dedicated organization committed to the well-being of our city's residents.
I am writing to express our firm opposition to the proposed privatization of the business licensing department within the City of Oxnard. As valued leaders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of our community, I believe it is imperative to consider the far-reaching consequences of such a decision.
At CAUSE, we steadfastly uphold the belief that public services should be administered for the collective benefit of our residents. These services form an integral part of our community's fabric, providing essential support that directly impacts the lives of Oxnard residents. By nurturing city jobs, we invest in our families, our neighborhoods, and our local economy, thereby fortifying the foundation of our thriving community.
Conversely, privatization presents a threat to the very essence of public service.
It jeopardizes the quality of family-sustaining jobs, ultimately leading to financial hardships that permeate our neighborhoods. Moreover, it introduces incentives that may not align with the best interests of our community, as public services are managed by private entities driven by profit motives for distant shareholders, rather than by a commitment to serve our local residents.
History has provided us with lessons on the consequences of privatization. For instance, when the City of Oxnard outsourced its waste management services to Republic Services, it resulted in subpar service quality and low-quality jobs. The
causenow.org ● (805) 658-0810 ● Ventura ● Santa Maria ● Oxnard ● Santa Barbara ● Santa Paula subsequent decision to bring management back under city control a decade ago led to substantial improvements in recycling rates, enhanced job opportunities for workers, and significant cost savings, underscoring the tangible benefits of retaining services in-house.
Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize that contracting out can be perceived as a form of union-busting. Such an environment is not conducive to the values we hold dear in Oxnard.
In light of these considerations, we respectfully implore you to stand against the proposed privatization scheme. Instead, let us invest in our own city, providing increased local support and ensuring the fortification of our departments.
Together, we can preserve and strengthen the values that define Oxnard as a vibrant and thriving community.
Thank you for your time, attention, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Oxnard and its residents. We trust that you will weigh these concerns thoughtfully in your deliberations.
Sincerely,
Maria Navarro
Senior Policy Advocate