How do you CONTROL 8000...

I was told last week that my posts on Facebook about going 4B are dividing Commerce. I think the town is united about wanting to make quality of life improvements. The problem is no one wants to pay for them. A possible solution go 4B. What's your solution?  

We all want quality of life improvements, but it seems some don't want to spend the money from their organizations budget to do it. IT'S THE CITIZENS OF COMMERCE MONEY, NOT YOURS! Let the citizens decide if they want to have the OPTION to spend money on BOTH quality of life improvements and attracting jobs. 

Still waiting on an answer as to why you don't want to let the voters decide.  Are we no longer a democracy?

According to poll results published by the Commerce Journal, 77% of respondents want to have the OPTION to spend sales tax revenue on quality of life improvements. So why won't City Hall let the voters decide? Are 5 to control 8000?

So how do you control 8000? You lie to them. (OK, lie may be a bit strong, but if the shoe fits...) 

You tell people you will make or will work towards making improvements and then when the spot light is off them, it gets cast off to the side and everyone forgets or gives up.  That is what folks at City Hall hope about the 4B discussion, that everyone will give up. 

So what have the 8000 been mislead to believe?  

Told to the Citizens: We need to become a certified retirement community. Over 7 years later and countless hours and dollars spent, the UNCOMPLETED APPLICATION still sits at City Hall.  7 YEARS!!!

Told to the Citizens: We don't have the ability to fund the library and have cut their budget by $14,000. In that same budget (2012-13), the City Council gave the City Manager a $10,000 bonus and roughly 40% raise over the next 2 years.

Told to Citizens: When Covidien closes we will lose 20% of the city revenues. In fact, part of the impact of Covidien's loss will be negated by Hydro Aluminum coming on the city's tax rolls at 100 percent and being annexed in the city. Annexation is on the Council agenda this week. 

Told to Citizens: We will help improve the appearance of rental properties by the enforcement of the Residential Rental Housing Ordinance that was passed in 2001. How do those rental properties look around you? 

Should I go on?

Our elected and appointed officials in local government are supposed to represent our voices. To listen to the will of the majority, not the minority. Seems the majority want to at least put it to a vote to go 4B or stay 4A. Yet those in the minority do not want to give the citizens the option. Say what!?!  Do our council members have their heads buried in the sand or stuck somewhere else?  Are those 5 not listening to the discussions around town about 4A/4B?

Isn't it time for 8000 to control 5? To let your voices be heard. To have our representatives take action the majority wants!

Or do you want John Ballotti, Sue Davis, Richard Hill, Jean Klaus and Emma Martin telling you what is best for you? 

Taking control is a click away... Click on their names; Send them an email; Tell them what you want in this town.