Are You Interested?

Well, fellow taxpayers, again you missed another informative City Council meeting in our plush, elaborate City Hall that we all are paying for. It would sure do this councilman’s heart good to see some community interest in how your city is being managed and tax money spent and/ or committed for years to come.

You will be glad to know that shortly there will be six (6) shiny new police cars added to the existing fleet of 17 vehicles at the cost to us all of around $200,000, not including interest. Another councilman stated he had heard of no community support for this expenditure, however in the end he voted for it. I did not.

Add to this, another shiny ambulance with all the bells and whistles for an additional $140,000 we will all be paying for.

Our citizens should be made aware that an existing ordinance limiting department overspending without Council approval was bypassed by voting in a new ordinance permitting this expenditure. (Closing the barn door after the cows got out.)

But don’t plan on a much needed four-way stop light at Arkansas Highways 72 and 94, that would cost too much to even consider.

You will also be glad to know that our city is now endorsing above mine and another councilman’s objections, the taxation of all internet sales. This tie was broken by Mayor Jackie Crabtree voting for it. This will be coming soon, I assure you. Say goodbye to more of your dollars.

As the lone dissenting councilman, I voted against all five issues with my conscience directed towards the best interest of the taxpaying citizens at heart. This is the main reason I am writing this to you.

Please take the time to either write or call your city government officials to voice your opinions. I’d like to know if anyone really cares. I do, and I am representing YOU.

Council meetings are every third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Please attend if you can. Thank you. BOB COTTINGHAM Alderman Ward 1, Position 2 Pea Ridge, Ark.