OP-ED: Peninsula Woman Says Trump's Victory Signifies Positive Local Change

The following open letter was submitted to Patch for publication:

OK, my dear neighbors, once the shock of Trump's victory wore off, let me share with you why anyone whose life consists of dealing with our local government, might be gloating at the election results now.

Why?

1. Because when I come to Redwood City to get a routine permit, I am lucky if the planner is indifferent to my project. Most of the time, there will be so many barriers put in the way, that I am expected to give up,
2. Because to change a shape of a window and add some 100 sf to my childcare facade, I need to pay over $5,000 in building permit fees and wait for at least 3 months for what should be an over the counter decision,
3. Because the permits for the huge buildings and huge builders fly through the system. The skyscrapers mushroomed and so did the corruption of the local government,
4. Because growth now comes at the expense of basic property rights and our city is no longer has a level playing field,
5. Because small property and business owners are buried under an avalanche of new taxes, regulations and red tape,
6. Because we have had enough and ready to reclaim our values and our country.

Maria Rutenburg

Small business owner
Member of the board of the Emerald Hills Homeowners Association
President of the Homeowners United for Planning and Building Reform