Letter to the City of Omaha
I am expressing my extreme frustration and anger as I see Omaha’s 2011 Budget process manifest itself into a microcosm of our national politics with a compounding result.
This Mayer and most members of the city council remain indignant and do not feel they owe the people of Omaha a rational discussion to defend their position. This makes this whole process a sham, as it appears the outcome has already been pre-arranged.
This was never clearer than when I asked each and every council member about this budget and why Mayor Suttle would be raising taxes on property owners and small business in the toughest economy in my lifetime. An 11% budget increase is outrageous at this time.
I received a response from Jean Stothert and Franklin Thompson who offered independent explanations that told me they were sincerely seeking better options. The only other Response came from Ben Gray that seemed to be scripted sound bites directly from the mayor’s office. Funny thing was, a few days later Mr. Gray gets appointed to the board of the housing authority the same Mayor.
The rest of the council members did not even take the time to respond, further demonstrating their contempt for us the taxpayers outside their campaigns for office.
Why are city workers entitled to something more than the people that support their salaries through the taxes we pay? No one is saying that they are “rich” by any means as was claimed by the police officer the other day. On the other hand, their living does not give them the right to impoverish the people they want to pay for their lifestyle. I admit this is a statement in the extreme, as was the police officers comments.
This fact remains; the Police department is hire to service its citizens, not the other way around. This should not be a surprise to them, they chose the occupation, and they were not drafted. I think a little respect for the citizen is in order here.
Government is elected to serve at the will of the people, not to serve over the people. They need to step up and truly listen to people are saying you owe us this voice. They swore an oath to do that. The way I see it, time is long past for our elected Politician lose the love affair they have with the unions and focus on the real needs of the people, not the special needs of the special interest. They must do this before they bankrupt our city.
As for Stothert and Franklin Thompson, I say congratulations for your independent representation. As for Dave Nabity, thank you! His involvement has given the people a voice where none other has been allowed. The council and the unions have managed to limit the voice of we the people. No wonder why the unions are launching the SMEAR ads on him. His efforts holding our Politicians accountable are to be commended.
The net result is real simple, this thing will pass… more people will move from Omaha, business will move from Omaha and 5 years from now we will have this same tired argument because the unions are not funded, and Mayor Suttle will need a new car.
Joseph Moore
Business and Homeowner
Resident of Omaha
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