Dear Editor:

Randy Hinchliffe's letter in the Jan. 19 issue of this publication was appreciated for the accurate facts presented without emotional language. For citizens upset about actual or potential changes the easiest target is often the faces in city hall. From having served in the past, I know that Waitsburg is small enough that the mayor and council members often get an earful on the streets, as well. More citizens should volunteer for the experience!

Thanks to the council for listening to concerns expressed at the Jan. 18 meeting regarding the increase in utility fees. It is apparently needed if being brought up and considered. Those elected to serve Waitsburg have always, to my knowledge, done their best to provide quality service at the lowest cost to citizens.

The council also took the high road by pointing out the options regarding funding for continued maintenance of our streets. They could have simply voted to increase car-tab fees by $10 for all residents. Instead they let citizens know about that option plus another which requires a vote of residents-an increase of .001 in the sales tax dedicated to streets.

Increasing car tabs would only affect residents of Waitsburg- not all of the actual users of our streets. The sales tax increase would be paid by all who spend their dollars in Waitsburg-and use our streets in the process. A resident would have to spend about $10,000 per year in town to equal the $10 car tab fee. By sharing the privilege with visitors we could spend less (if we wanted) for the same benefit.

Finally, at the last council meeting several incidents showing a lack of respect and decorum were observed. There was a loud outburst of laughter during a private conversation between attendees. Two cell phones went off-both of which were allowed to continue ringing while their owners walked the length of the building to the exit. (These disruptions were easily preventable with a simple setting change.) Also, some members of the audience at times interrupted the proceedings without being properly recognized, which can be disruptive and distracting, as well as rude. We may be small but respect for the process and the people involved-as well as others in the audience-should never be out of fashion.

Sincerely,

Jim Davison

Waitsburg