Editorial:
Dam/levee costs to the taxpayers of Westfield… Though I am no longer a Councilor, I am still a voter/taxpayer and will still exercise my responsibility/ authority as such. When I read Fridays front page article from the Flood Commission I could not help but say, I told them that the tactics being used to scuttle the school project would have dire effects on us. And, I guess the need for a $7 million bond to correct the levees and dams would qualify as just such a dire consequence. I would also project that this is not going to be the only costs to the tax payers because of this project. Before the full depth of the conditions can be known, we would have to clear the levees of the overgrowth so it can be examined.
OK, I know that there is disagreement with the Cross St. school project. No idea or plan is perfect, and there will always be disagreements, BUT, $7 million dollars worth is going too far. I guess that those who claim they want to cut costs, and lower taxes, who also brought in the Army Corps of Engineers, did not figure that they are mandated reporters of potential hazards, and would make demands that we correct them. This cost to the taxpayers along with the costs in the payment to Russell and lost money already spent on the project is more than outrageous and irresponsible. Not only will it add to our debt but it can and will wreak havoc on our budget planning and the pursuit of any other bonding that we need to do to provide for the needs of our residents, and businesses. Several times on the Council floor and in articles I warned that this would happen.
As I stated in previous editorials, not being a Councilor does not end my responsibility as a citizen/voter/taxpayer and as such I have decided to be a Community Advocate to continue to exercise that responsibility. I have effectively given much of my life to my civic and community responsibilities without being elected. In that capacity I will continue to do fact finding and report back to you the voter taxpayers. The current presidential election is reveling a lot of anger and discontent by voters. But, a great deal of this is in part due to our being remiss in the exercise of our governing authority. Our Rights and authority exist because we accept our responsibilities. And, because we hire those to represent us and to manage our public interests and affairs. And, because we pay for them, and for all that they do and don’t do. Too may have surrendered their responsibilities and with them their Rights and the authority. Others feel alienated from the decision making process, or some how believed the con job that we do not want to be responsible and are not, or do not pay attention until it hits home. Well, this kind of tax burden is definitely hitting home. And, while we reject some sort of formal organization, for good reasons, we can and need to communicate with each other to respond to the actions of those we hire. America Works Best When Americans Works Together. If you are concerned about this subject or others please contact me and let us reason together.
Brian Hoose
[email protected]
