County Leaders Address Scandals and Bridge Funding Challenges in Chula Vista

Santa Cruz County is taking significant steps to rebuild trust and address challenges following a series of scandals involving elected officials. During a recent meeting, Supervisor Rudy “Bugs” Molera highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to recover from these setbacks, including the recent legal troubles faced by the county treasurer, who misappropriated nearly $39 million.

Molera emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in restoring public confidence. "You get a blemish, and people look at the county and say, 'Oh, wow. The county is this,'" he stated, underscoring the need for a positive environment to regain trust. To this end, the county plans to implement quarterly audits of the treasurer's office and establish checks and balances to prevent future issues.

One of Molera's proudest achievements has been securing funding to rebuild a critical bridge, which had been closed due to lack of financial support from the Corps of Engineers. Over a six-year period, he successfully gathered state and federal funds, with assistance from Congressman Guijano, to complete the project, demonstrating his commitment to infrastructure improvement.

In addition to addressing past issues, the county is actively engaging with the city of Nogales to foster collaboration on future projects. Molera expressed optimism about the relationships he has built with local officials, which he believes will lead to beneficial initiatives for the community.

As Santa Cruz County navigates these challenges, the focus remains on creating a transparent and accountable government that prioritizes the needs of its residents. The upcoming audits and collaborative projects signal a proactive approach to rebuilding trust and enhancing community relations.