Spending must be done wisely

I would like to thank Mayor Coerper for his response to my recent letter published in the Alachua County Today.  I believe it is important to discuss these issues as a community, and having a commissioner who is willing to participate is essential to understanding the philosophy and judgment of those we elect.

I agree that Alachua has been a forward looking city. The City’s investment in infrastructure and business friendly atmosphere have helped us grow and prosper. In fact, it is not accurate to say that I ever have been against the City investing in infrastructure. I have been on the Downtown Redevelopment Board whose function is exactly that. I have also supported the new waste water treatment plant; I have defended the new city complex; and I didn’t say I was against the new Santa Fe campus here. 

So, what is the difference then? The difference is overspending. When the State comes in and looks over our shoulder, that’s a sign.  When we take money from reserved funds to pay our bills, that’s a sign.  When we spend a million dollars more than budgeted on a new city hall, that’s a sign. I’ll let pass, for this discussion, that a new city hall really isn’t an investment, but really an expense.  Many times politicians use the word investment, when it’s really just an expense, because it sounds better. When you get in the shape we’re in now, it’s hard to explain it as investment. Responsible people don’t “invest” their way into financial trouble.

Let me repeat what I have said before. I believe this new commission and administration is on the right track. I just want us to learn from past mistakes. I want a recognition that the trouble is not under taxing but overspending. I want us to recognize we got carried away, and I want an acknowledgment from our elected officials that the money they spend is not theirs. It belongs to the taxpayers, and that makes it essential that elected officials spend it wisely.

As far as my complaints being only about the last few years “during the worst economy since the Great Depression.” I need to remind you that this spending took place while revenues were increasing.  And just to be clear it was the “same devastating news” but we were one of only eight Florida cities to fall into this category.  With over 400 cities in Florida, we are one of the two percent to be looked at by the state.

To the point that I was able to make a good living and build my “dream house high on the hill because ‘The Good Life Community’ succeeded,” I invested my own money; I took all the risk myself, and I lived very frugally and still do. In fact, I think I could argue the opposite happened. “The Good Life Community” became that because I and others rebuilt it.  I started a successful business, rebuilt dilapidated buildings for new business, cleaned up neighborhoods, and built new homes. All of this added to the tax base that then goes into making the City successful. I and other taxpayers make this “The Good Life Community.” It is my money, the taxpayers’ money, that the City uses to “invest” and I would like for it to be done responsibly.

Duane Helle

Alachua, Fla.