Enough is Enough

I am truly enjoying the Henry County Local articles and letters to the editor regarding the campaign for the open city council seats in Eminence.  I am amused by the outrage and indignation being expressed by the currently seated council members, the supporters of the currently seated members, and a few “very” concerned citizens; in regard to one “very outspoken” candidate (who shall remain nameless).  I mean it is just shocking, that a candidate would actually challenge the status quo and ask outlandish questions, such as: “How are our city taxes being spent?”; Are they being spent wisely?”; Can we afford all these new expenditure every year?” Can the citizens of Eminence afford (in these current economic times) having their taxes substantially raised every year?”  Haven’t many of us (as citizens) pondered these same questions?

I have lived in Eminence most of my life and have owned a home here for 12 years. When I purchased my home in 1996, my city tax was just over $170, and this year my city tax bill has risen to $299.  That is a substantial increase by any measure.  I have even considered moving to another area because of this.  I, myself, wondered every time I heard word that the city council had approved new expenditures; such as, (in the past), new squad cars for the police department, several new officers for the Eminence Police Department, big raises for city workers. And, now, I hear that the council has approved a new firehouse!  Regardless of how many federal grants will be used for the project, we as taxpayers know, it’s going to cost us. And it’s going to cost us big.   I wonder, can’t we make do with the firehouse we have now? How about adding on to the old one? Do we really need so many police officers in a town of this size?.”  Why do we need to buy vehicles for Eminence Police Department every few years?  Are they taking care of the ones they have?  This is all pretty bad, but when I hear stories about the city purchasing a washer and dryer for $16,000! This is way over the top.

When gas prices reached nearly $4 a gallon, we all had to tighten our belt. We had to stop taking those unnecessary trips, we had to really go through our budgets and eliminate what was really not necessary.  That’s what the city of Eminence is going to have to do. Instead of dreaming up new costly expenditures, our city government is going to have to get their heads out of the clouds. They are going to have to sit down, go over the budget and eliminate wasteful spending.  It’s time for the city to tighten its belt.  The boom is over.  As for me, I cannot afford another huge increase in property tax.  Enough is enough.  You go very outspoken candidate person!

Jeanie Roberts, Eminence