Overspending

The question raised is "How can local and state governments deal with budget shortfalls?" The question should be "Why do local and state governments have budget shortfalls?" The answer is very simple; they are living beyond their means.

I won't even discuss state government; they are spending money like drunken sailors.

The city of Kennewick is a microcosm of how to waste money. The carousel is one example. A lot of money spent on a special-interest item. If the carousel is so good for the community, then why doesn't the community foot the bill? The city leaders should have beat the bushes and coerced civic-minded business leaders come up with the funds to refurbish and place the carousel. After all, if the carousel is going to bring in people to see and ride it, I would assume the businesses in the area of the carousel would benefit from it. The businesses, not the city, should have footed the bill.

Another example of wasted money is the lawsuit regarding Columbia Park. Where were the city lawyers on this one? I think the city would be better off getting new lawyers, ones that know the law to give the council proper recommendations before they go and cost the city a bunch of wasted money.

A lost opportunity to the city is the fiasco at Vista Field. I understand the port has control of the field, but the city of Kennewick should have made their voices heard to improve and push for development of the field. A push to have new hangars installed and courting businesses that rely on air transport would bring in jobs and outside visitors who would spend money. There are a number of communities around the U.S. who have pushed hard to develop their small airports and have seen financial success in doing so. I believe again that the city fathers are looking at short-term gains from land developers vs. long-term gains from established businesses.

The city should also review the costs associated with new development. Is the city really charging enough when it comes to new subdivisions? Are these new subdivisions really paying enough in fees to offset requirements for additional fire/police protection, and additional wear and tear on existing infrastructure?

I believe the city council of Kennewick is trying to do its best, but I also believe they need to sit back and ask themselves if they are doing the best for the people they represent, or are they listening too much to special interests:

The leaders of this city and county need to review what they are spending and make hard decisions on what needs to be cut in order to balance the budget.

Yes there will be special-interest groups who will yell and scream, but that is the price for not preparing a reserve for basic services for the short years. The community will back the council if it is informed as to why cutbacks must be made. Special-interest groups who really want something will bring resources to the council to pay for their request. I know this because I have been a city councilman, not here in Kennewick but in my hometown of Rapid City, S.D., a city pretty much the same size as Kennewick.

-- Robert Apa, Kennewick

tool name

Sunday, Nov. 01, 2009

Overspending