Where Are We Headed

UP BEAT

ROBERT L. SPINKS, MA, MS

COMMENTATOR

SEQUIMCHIEF@AOL.COM

Where Are We Headed Published on Wed, July 21, 2010 by Robert Spinks, MA, MS http://www.sequimgazette.com/spinks After some 30 years in government, usually as a leader, but certainly as a service provider in policing, the courts, even running a City, you pick up some interesting skills, experiences, not to mention some opinions.

I jumped at opportunity to continue my monthly column in The Sequim Gazette. In large part my motivation to continue writing is driven by the many kind comments I have received from you, the readers!

Shattered dreams seem to sum up the current mood about the economy, politicians and government at all levels.

LOCALLY Locally, Clallam County should be applauded, one of just a few counties in the regions that deserves this recognition. Belt tightening and conservative budgeting has kept our County out of debt with reserves to brace the decline in revenues against the escalating cost of doing business.

Sequim became a growing retail trade center several years ago, and a little more than $2 million a year in sales tax revenues continue to flow into city operations.

WHO’S MINDING YOUR STORE?

NATIONWIDE Only two of the fifty States anticipates posting a budget surplus next year; that would be Montana and North Dakota. In contrast the following western states expect shortfalls next year; the percentage of anticipated shortfall as a percentage of this year’s state budget includes: Washington at 13.9%, Oregon anticipates a 19.3% shortfall, while California is hovering at 9.1%. The worst state in the Union is Nevada with a whopping 56.6% anticipated shortfall!

This bodes badly when we look at potential cuts in state services.

The point is that citizens have to mind their own store. That store is city, county and state government.

Mike Siegel, a nationally syndicated talk show personality was at a recent candidate’s forum held in Sequim. Siegel is outspoken in being the voice of citizen involvement in government.

Siegel is adamant about government being responsive to citizens. He shouts that elected officials and government officials are the employees and that we, as citizens and taxpayers, are the employers. Seigel’s mantra includes reminding us that the government, at all

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levels, is suppose to be working for the taxpayer and should be reflecting your expectations.

Siegel came to town and will return again on th Monday, July 26 to host a second candidate’s forum, this one spotlighting the race for the State Supreme Court. This 7pm event will be held at the Boys and Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula at 400 West Fir Street in Sequim.

Hosted by the Concerned Citizens of Clallam County or 4C’s for short, this is an example of how grass roots frustration is turning into an organized political movement.

Last month’s candidate forum hosted by the 4C’s drew over 500 citizens’. One of the largest if not the largest forums of this type so far held in the State, and this is happening in Sequim?

It’s not hard to jump on the bandwagon to shrink government. Or to support statements demanding accountability, common sense in government and customer service for citizen taxpayers.

But don’t forget those same programs that are the subject of citizen finger pointing and wailing; all have a constituent base that believes they are valuable and critical.

IS THERE A RETURN ON YOUR TAX INVESTMENT IN OLYMPIA? Last year the Sequim community sent some $14 million in sales tax revenue to Olympia. That would have paid for every city service in the City’s General Fund for nearly 2 years with no need for property taxes, or a host of other fees and taxes that we all pay.

Did Sequim get its full return on that $14 million contribution that was made to Olympia? Until you participate in the political process, send those letters, attend candidate forums and share your expectations, you may not know if Olympia, Clallam County or Sequim are meeting your needs and wants.

Whether its city, county or state politics, taking time to attend the upcoming candidate’s forum in th Sequim on July 26 is a good investment in time and a good first step in becoming your own citizen activist. Better yet, bring a neighbor with you.

See you around town on the Beat!

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