craigdailypress.com

Craig — To the Editor:

As the elected representatives of the city of Craig, we, the Craig City Council, have the responsibility to respond to the Craig Daily Press opinion, "Our View: Funding Inaction" printed in this paper on Jan. 19, 2008. We, the City Council, are strong advocates of responsible, public discussion of issues relevant to this community. We view the Craig Daily Press "Our View" opinion essays as mediums to foster such discussions. Unfortunately, the opinion piece printed in the Jan. 19, 2008, edition did not reflect the responsible and professional journalism we would expect from one of our community's leading sources for news, information and opinions.

The opinion piece began with the bold statement, "Local politicians are afraid." The piece then proceeds to make bold statements about the city's fiscal objectives and growth strategies. What is clearly evident in the opinion piece is the Editorial Board's lack of thought and research in presenting its opinion. Is the Editorial Board "afraid" to complete the necessary research to present an informed opinion? Perhaps the Editorial Board would have a different opinion if it took the time to research the following facts.

The first and most important fact is that all of the city's budget sessions and council meetings are open to the public. Have any of the Editorial Board members attended these meetings? If the Editorial Board members, as professional journalists, took the time to attend these meetings, they would have a better understanding of our fiscal procedures as they relate to the "stockpiling" of millions of dollars of funds. Simply put, the city maintains a 25-percent reserve in each of our budget's funds. These reserves are used for emergencies and infrastructure improvements. While this may appear as "stockpiling" to the Editorial Board, the city thinks this is prudent fiscal management expected of any city government.

By attending the City Council and budget meetings, perhaps the Editorial Board would have a better idea of infrastructure upkeep and expansion projects completed by the city. Since 2002, the city has spent almost $13 million to upgrade and expand current infrastructure. Our infrastructure expenditures also have included the $8.1 million water plant upgrade and Elkhead expansion - projects necessary for the city's current needs and future water demands. The Editorial Board accuses the city of taking a "slow-motion" approach to infrastructure development. Once again, if the editorial board took time to research this issue, it would be very apparent that this "slow-motion" approach allowed the construction of more than forty homes in 2007.

The Editorial Board opinion piece identifies broad suggestions for the city such as annexing property and building infrastructure. What the editorial piece does not offer is a suggested strategy for growth. To think that one apartment building and a fast food restaurant are leading indicators of economic growth is a far-reaching suggestion. Economic growth stems from smart development of industry and infrastructure. A perfect example is the development activity surrounding the new Wal-Mart. Attracting and planning future growth is a top priority of any city government.

To allege that the city has been asleep at the wheel is an unfounded accusation. In 2007, the city implemented a new land-use code. This new code specifically addresses future growth plans. For 2008, the city has budgeted to update the city's master transportation plan. Finally, the city just completed a needs survey of its residents. Responses from these surveys will help us better understand and plan for the concerns of our community.

As so eloquently stated in the editorial piece, it is "gut-check" time for the Craig Daily Press Editorial Board. It is time for you to live up to your professional responsibility to provide an informed opinion to the residents of Craig. If you want to address the City Council's future growth strategy, know the existing strategy. Attend our meetings, learn about our strategies, and listen to our discussions.

Craig City Council

Don Jones-Mayor

Bill Johnston-Councilman

Byron Willems-Councilman

Joe Herod-Councilman

Terry Carwile-Councilman

Ray Beck-Councilman