Millions in Deficit Spending

The Town of Fairfax had $3.2 million “operating deficit” last year and budgeted $1.5 million deficit this year. Now, only because of higher tax receipts, this year’s “operating deficit” is currently estimated to be over $700k.

Blash and Hellman wanted “you” to pay for a Bond Measure worth $40 million in new taxes over 30 years to only get $18 million in road repairs. That’s $22 million out of your pocket.

Overpaying for Expensive Attorneys

Under Blash and Hellman’s supervision, the Town Attorney, Janet Coleson, has been hundreds of thousands of dollars over budget for the past 4 years. In the last fiscal year, which concluded at the end of June, the Town Attorney billed $831,221 and supervised $111,663 worth of "Claims and Settlements” for a total of $942,884.

This is $491,221 over budget just for the Town Attorney billing! The Town Council budgeted $340,000 total for the Town Attorney, but actually spent $831,221. That is 244.5% of what they allocated, without even factoring in the $100K+ spent on "Claims and Settlements.”

Wasting Money on Unpopular Programs

Blash and Hellman approved hiring incompetent “Housing Element” consultants for $530,000 and then paid them $611,000 to go away.

Blash and Hellman approved a road bond survey that cost over $32,600. Once they were told the road bond wouldn't pass, they went ahead and voted to spend even more money and put it on the ballot anyway. 

Click here for a video of Ms. Hellman stating that cost isn’t relevant for issues that she deems morally important. “We live in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation.  I just, people walk around here with $200 sneakers, you know.  I just reject the notion that this is about cost.”

Clear Conflicts of Interest

It’s no wonder Blash and Hellman are so reckless with taxpayer dollars, they both have clear conflicts of interest:

• Vice Mayor Hellman was the target of a complaint alleging that she violated the Political Reform Act by acting as a lobbyist for FSACC and not reporting or disclosing her role. She used her position to influence decisions in favor of FSACC, including interfering in RVFD inspections and presenting falsified safety documents to the Ross Valley School District. The complaint details various instances where Hellman used her position to benefit FSACC, despite having a financial interest. Although the complaint against her actions was denied by the FPCC, town residents can decide if they believe Ms. Hellman’s actions acted morally.

• Mayor Blash continues to vote in accordance with her former employer, the Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative.  She is pushing a 7-story high-density housing development consisting mostly of market rate housing in downtown Fairfax, increasing the risk of a death trap scenario for residents during wildfires, floods or earthquakes.