By Wolfgang von Buchler
Anderson resident
All across the county and throughout Indiana, cities are facing significant budget cuts. As a municipality’s budget decreases the task of providing essential services to citizens becomes very daunting. These services not only benefit the community directly, but serve as an attraction to local businesses wanting to expand, as well as new businesses seeking a community in which to locate.
Services cut versus those retained speak volumes about the city’s priorities and values. Should the burden of cuts be placed more heavily on one department or evenly distributed? What about quality of life? In an Oct. 23 article in The Herald Bulletin about budget cuts, the information was not totally accurate or complete. According to figures on display regarding the Oct. 10 City Council meeting, the following cuts are proposed: Fire Department — 9% cut; Police Department — 14%; other departments from 5 to 15%, with several departments showing no budget for 2010. Are they being funded or eliminated?
What was not shown was a 73% cut in the Parks Department (starting budget $2,752,251 — after cuts — $753,433). How can a 73% cut be justified? What information or evidence was used to make this decision? Was/will public input be sought or considered? And, if we faced such a tough budget, why was a brand new SUV purchased by the city this year for use by the Parks Department? Recently The Indianapolis Star reported that their parks department is facing an 8% budget cut. However, they are planning to obtain input from the public on how to more effectively deal with this reduction and still provide quality services and facilities. Anderson residents pay the bills through taxes. Our elected officials owe us an explanation.
Parks are essential to the vitality of a community. They help improve or at the least maintain the physical and psychological health of its citizens. They are a key component to the strength of the real estate market. Clearly the basic fundamentals and assets of our parks system are being taken for granted. If budget cuts are made, how will maintenance of equipment, facilities and even mowing be accomplished? Will people be able to reserve Shadyside Park for weddings or family reunions? Facing a reduction in staff, will recreation programs such as youth football still be offered? Will there still be Concerts in the Park? More now than ever, it’s critical that this community and its officials understand the overall value of our parks system — what it provides and what it offers to the economic value of this community.
If we value our parks, let’s support them!
Letters
Viewpoint: With budget slashed, what will happen to Anderson’s parks?
- Letters
-
-
Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
To save America some money — by acclimation of course — let’s not have a presidential election in 2012. We already have a good president who will do his best to kill all Republican bills (DOA) and, consequently, create more good-paying jobs in the $30 per hour range.
-
Letter: Gingrich cashes in on political amnesia
Rasmussen says that Romney has flattened nationally. Why?
Two reasons seem to tell the tale. Gingrich has shown that he will fight, and Romney is a Mormon, believed to be a “cult” by a majority of evangelicals. -
Letter: Hiring Winkler not wise spending
As a taxpayer I want to know that my taxes are being spent wisely. Hiring Greg Winkler at a salary of $126,000 is not wise spending.
-
Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act on New Year’s Eve. I doubt many Americans noticed its implications because they do not yet comprehend the big picture. This law, coupled with the Patriot Act, is paving the way for America’s direction toward tyranny.
-
Letter: $14 trillion debt started by previous president
I’m a proud atheist who’s lucky enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy.
-
Letter: Economy putting people in the gutters
We are now getting the results of putting people in the gutters. We need to take a second look at our government and its policies. It’s not working.
-
Viewpoint: Look at Creation Museum from an educational, scientific perspective
I encourage any and all who have interest in this vitally important topic to “go to the source,” to invest the time and energy into exploring The Creation Museum for themselves.
-
Letter: Blame the voters for our Congress
Why is insider trading legal for Congress and illegal for the rest of us? They make and enact laws for all of us, but then exempt members of Congress. Somehow this doesn’t seem to pass the smell test.
-
Letter: Smith’s firings appear vindictive
Anderson is a city of negative publicity and actions. Why else is Sears leaving? Can we stand four years of vindictive actions and negative reporting?
-
Letter: Planned devaluation of dollar is coming
I’ve submitted letters regarding the existence of a global elite for years now. I’m now submitting another one in which I hope readers will take note of.
- More Letters Headlines
-
Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
