Demanding fiscal accountability is the job of Campbell council

Demanding fiscal accountability is the job of Campbell council

As a resident of Campbell, I find it so very hard to comprehend claims by some fellow citizens that Mayor Dill (who followed the advice of the state) acted like “god” and our present council members have a “conspiracy” against the new mayor.

First, the new mayor stated his budget was better because it left a surplus of $140,000, where council’s had a surplus of $30,000. His budget fails to show me where the money is coming from in his proposed $440,053 spending for a new sewer-vac truck, new street sweeper and tractor for mowing. No mention, though, of street repairs. It also doesn’t show where the money is coming from for his proposed $323,340 for new water meters. His proposals so far in only a few months are totaling over $700,000.

Last I knew we are in fiscal emergency and proposing to spend that kind of money is irresponsible. A few months back, we were told that the city would like to add an addition $2 to $3 on our water bills because the city can’t afford to keep the street lights on. Am I the only one who is questioning this?

I just cannot justify this mayor’s proposed purchase of the items listed above. Our current water meters were only installed somewhere between 10 and 13 years ago, so they are relatively new. And we the citizens will be see this expenditure tacked on to our water bills for the rest of our lives. I for one am tired of extra fees on my water bill when you can’t stand to even drink the water.

I applaud council for not giving in to the new mayor’s proposed spending habits. I am truly thankful they are keeping my best interest in mind when voting these proposals down. I hate to say it, but if Mayor Krinos keeps going with his proposed spending we will soon no longer exist as Campbell. We will become the East Side of Youngstown once again.

I urge all residents to get active in our city and start attending council meetings. Find out what is going on and don’t take anyone’s word on anything. Most of this city’s residents are either retired or on fixed incomes. Can we afford this mayor?

Christie L. Grachanin, Campbell

Another look at the presidents

I read with interest the letter tallying the votes of dead presidents on health care. We can wear a WWWD bracelet (What Would Washington Do), but we can only guess how their political philosophies would have evolved to face the challenges of today.

However, it is fun to speculate. To his list of proponents I would add Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Harry Truman, and JFK. To his list of opponents I would add Franklin Pierce, Benjamin Harrison, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.

I agree that the author of the Declaration of Independence likely would be opposed. Of course Jefferson didn’t need to worry about the rising cost of insuring his employees. He owned them.

Bill Koch, Austintown