I would like the Kent City Council to re-read Don Brunell’s column, “POG is worth another look as we talk budget,” from March 16, 2017. The theme of his piece is a process known as POG, priorities and price of government.
City leaders want to hire more police officers. I agree with Council President Bill Boyce who is quoted as saying, “Public safety is number one to the city.” My guess is 100 percent of the residents would agree with that statement.
But why must we be held hostage, and have to vote a tax increase, to accomplish what the council president says is number one? That worthy and excellent goal of a fully staffed police department should be the first item 100 percent funded by our city leaders.
Why doesn’t the City Council do the hard work of prioritizing every program, from most essential (police and fire) to least essential (whatever they put at the bottom of the list)? Use the current revenue and fund programs, starting at the top of the list and work your way down. When you don’t have enough money for tiddly winks clubs and whatever is at the bottom, come to the public and ask them to vote a tax increase to fund those less important programs.
– Michael Weros
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