Hoping to make a contribution

To the editor:
    I have been surprised by the complexity of the city’s business and the issues the council must deal with. I also had no idea of the many meetings required and the time required to properly study and prepare for informed decisions. I’m fully retired so for me it’s not a problem. However, for councilors who have a full time job, it requires some sacrifice from family time.     The present council, I believe, is an effective working group; they have different backgrounds and therefore don’t all think alike, which is a good thing. All have respect for other councilors’ ideas and opinions and are making decisions which each believe to be in the best interest of the city. The city staff I find to be competent and cooperative. In my opinion, wage levels are reasonable and the benefits package (health, pension, etc.) for city employees is very good.
    I believe the city is in good financial condition. However, I have found city audits very complex and very hard to understand. Consequently, and because I have some expertise in this area, this is where I have concentrated my efforts. With the complete cooperation of other councilors and staff, we have formed an audit committee; and, starting in 2008, we hope to have in place a reporting and auditing format that will allow the council to more fully understand and follow the numbers in our financial statements. The audit committee is also working to make sure the proper internal controls and prudent financial oversight is in place.
    The city has a great public school system, a new public safety building, a new just-completed public works building, renovations are taking place at city hall, and a new community center is now being considered. On the negative side, Presque Isle has one of the higher tax rates in the state, which is likely the cause of our very limited residential growth. Consequently, we must be very careful that increased spending does not exceed revenue from increased taxable growth.
    Finally, for those who can’t wait to retire, “it’s highly overrated”. One has to believe he/she is making some contribution to society. That’s my motive for serving on city council. I have no chips on my shoulder or agenda. Hopefully, with my engineering and business background I can make some small contribution.