Councilor’s corner
By Mary Kate Barbosa
Reading opinions in recent letters to the editor might lead one to believe that the outlook for the city is one of gloom and doom caused by an intricate special-interest conspiracy. In fact, while the city, state, and country are struggling through some distinct challenges caused by the national financial crisis, the city has accomplished many positive things during the past year. Consider a few of the facts.
First, the City was able to maintain taxes at a moderate level due to fiscal responsibility and planning which gave us access to funds to replace those indiscriminately withheld by various government entities and due to employee loyalty during this difficult time. The budget-building process began by examining years of collected data regarding areas such as electricity, heat, and contract expenses, reviewing these items for savings, and constructing a budget from that foundation. The first cuts were the salaries of the Council members who could not, in good conscience, cut budgets without being willing to take a cut themselves. All revenue sources were examined, and department heads proposed thorough and creative lists of ways to trim budgets without impacting programs this year. All budget meetings were open to the public with all input considered. It is unfortunate that those most vocal about their disdain for the current budget did not attend even one of these open meetings. The process begins again in January, and all citizens are again encouraged to attend.
Second, Caribou voters elected to convene a Charter Commission for the purpose of thoroughly examining the charter. While many on the Council felt that this was fiscally irresponsible at this time, no one on the council has ever stated that a periodic review of the charter is unwelcome. In fact, Council members are very grateful to all of those who have volunteered to participate in the election process for the Charter Commission, particularly those braving criticism from some who presume to know their stances without ever speaking to them. The Charter Commission will begin shortly after elections to begin a task that will need considered thought and constructive debate. We anticipate a careful and comprehensive review and subsequent proposal.
Finally, the Council was able to accomplish many things by representing all of its citizens and considering the impacts of each item brought forward for consideration. We separated the school budget from city coffers as required by the RSU consolidation process. We took advantage of our service-center status to sell our services for ambulance billing and save tax dollars in the Fire and Ambulance Department. We realized large savings in Public Works due to a mild winter. We received a grant to complete the sidewalk from Garden Circle to Cary Medical Center to improve safety and walker access. We received a second grant to replace all downtown Sweden Street and airport lights to save on electricity. One final payment on the Wellness Center will retire all of the city’s outstanding debt. And the ground breaking for the Caribou connector was held on Oct. 25. We look forward to achieving more for the citizens of Caribou.
With these facts and a new positive attitude in mind, we encourage voters to learn about the candidates running for various offices and about the jobs they will be chosen to do. It is critical to know the positions of the people for whom you are voting. The outcome of the vote will determine the direction of the city for the next year and years to follow. We strongly encourage everyone to exercise the right to vote on Nov. 2.
This column was prepared and presented by Mary Kate Barbosa on behalf of the Caribou City Council.
