Paul Walden, Addison City Council, Post (Facebook): My Thoughts
May 2, 2018
My Thoughts
THE SKY IS NOT FALLING
You may remember the old story about Chicken Little who ran around screaming, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling”. Well, we have a city council candidate who is doing the same thing. In the world of politics it is called fear mongering – deliberately exaggerating and frightening the public over an issue that may or may not be real.
For instance:
- No candidate or current council member is promoting a step plan. City council actions last year established a fair, merit-based employee compensation plan that removed the need for a step plan.
• No candidate or current council member is advocating for more apartments. The Town’s housing policy specifically discourages apartment construction while recognizing that apartments may be the only realistic option for certain locations. It should be remembered that the fear mongering candidate was a strong advocate for rezoning the old Sam’s site into hundreds more apartments. This candidate also attempted to panic one neighborhood regarding possible retail zoning the neighborhood did not want.
• No candidate or current council member supports fiscally irresponsible spending that increases our taxes. Council members pay taxes, too. Yes, there have been increased legal costs this year due, in large part, to decisions made by councils led by the former mayor whom the fear mongering candidate supports. And, yes, a 60 year-old city must expect to have major infrastructure replacement costs. An asset management study is now underway which should help the Town better prepare for these major expenditures.
So, the sky isn’t falling. And, a vote for the fear mongering candidate will not solve all the Town’s problems. We all need to work together in an open, respectful process to make the best decisions possible for the community we call home.