What do Salisbury citizens desire in their city government?
While you may not agree with Campbell on every issue, her consistent and honest approach to city government is what every city needs. Unlike the majority of her colleagues (and seemingly, her opponent - Muir Boda) Campbell believes that the legislative branch of government should be independent of the executive. For the last four years Campbell has stood fast while tons of abuse has been heaped upon her by both the Tilghman Times and her colleagues.
Why? When a majority of her fellow council members have voted to allow a double digit tax increase without even reading the budget first, Campbell stood fast for the city's businesses and residents. When the majority of her fellow council members voted to increase water and sewer rates based on false information, fought and won an uphill struggle for her constituents. When Campbell dares to ask questions before committing city taxpayers to a mountain of debt, she is attacked by the Mayor, her colleagues, and their Gannett-owned house organ.
What has been the response of her opponent, Mr. Boda? He has criticized Campbell for standing against unnecessary tax increases, higher sewer and water rates, and unnecessary spending. While Boda has refused to admit that he supports these policies, we can only infer from his own words that Boda believes his fellow citizens are under-taxed and over-served.
While Campbell has led the charge in making Salisbury's unacceptably high crime rate a prominent public issue, the Mayor, council majority, and now her opponent, have attempted to sweep it under the rug with misleading statistics and a bizarre argument that talking about crime is "being negative about our city". Campbell has endured abuse because of her strong sense of public service and the belief (a given fact everywhere else) that you cannot solve a problem without first talking about it and bringing it to the attention of the public.
The choice of District 2 voters is clear. If you beleive that you don't pay enough taxes, that the city spends your money wisely, that city services are efficient and adequate, and that you live in a safe city you should definitely vote for Muir Boda.
IF, HOWEVER, you believe that the city taxes you too much, that Barrie Tilghman and her rubber stamp council has not spent your money wisely, that city services are inefficient and too expensive, and that problems like crime can be solved with the proper leadership your choice is clear - Debbie Campbell should be re-elected to city council.
- Low Taxes?
- Fiscal Responsibility?
- Adequate and Reliable City Services?
- A Safe Environment for Themselves and Their Families
While you may not agree with Campbell on every issue, her consistent and honest approach to city government is what every city needs. Unlike the majority of her colleagues (and seemingly, her opponent - Muir Boda) Campbell believes that the legislative branch of government should be independent of the executive. For the last four years Campbell has stood fast while tons of abuse has been heaped upon her by both the Tilghman Times and her colleagues.
Why? When a majority of her fellow council members have voted to allow a double digit tax increase without even reading the budget first, Campbell stood fast for the city's businesses and residents. When the majority of her fellow council members voted to increase water and sewer rates based on false information, fought and won an uphill struggle for her constituents. When Campbell dares to ask questions before committing city taxpayers to a mountain of debt, she is attacked by the Mayor, her colleagues, and their Gannett-owned house organ.
What has been the response of her opponent, Mr. Boda? He has criticized Campbell for standing against unnecessary tax increases, higher sewer and water rates, and unnecessary spending. While Boda has refused to admit that he supports these policies, we can only infer from his own words that Boda believes his fellow citizens are under-taxed and over-served.
While Campbell has led the charge in making Salisbury's unacceptably high crime rate a prominent public issue, the Mayor, council majority, and now her opponent, have attempted to sweep it under the rug with misleading statistics and a bizarre argument that talking about crime is "being negative about our city". Campbell has endured abuse because of her strong sense of public service and the belief (a given fact everywhere else) that you cannot solve a problem without first talking about it and bringing it to the attention of the public.
The choice of District 2 voters is clear. If you beleive that you don't pay enough taxes, that the city spends your money wisely, that city services are efficient and adequate, and that you live in a safe city you should definitely vote for Muir Boda.
IF, HOWEVER, you believe that the city taxes you too much, that Barrie Tilghman and her rubber stamp council has not spent your money wisely, that city services are inefficient and too expensive, and that problems like crime can be solved with the proper leadership your choice is clear - Debbie Campbell should be re-elected to city council.
1 comment:
On the topic of Mr. Boda's responses to Mrs. Campbell's fiscal policies of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, I'd like to add the following point to the ones that G.A. mentioned in this article.(Fine write up by the way, G.A.)
As the article points out, Boda has criticized Campbell for what she's already accomplished fiscally on behalf of her constituency. In addition, he has told us in no uncertain terms how HE feels about financial accountability and transparency, and it's pretty disturbing.
In the March 29, 2009 edition of the Daily Times, it is stated that Boda opposes having a line-item budget - something Campbell strongly advocates. What I find particularly disturbing about his opposition is the “reasoning” behind it. The DT article quotes him directly as saying a line-item budget is "almost antiquated" and "I don't think it fits our city at this time.” The April 5, 2009 DT also mentions that Boda feels that such a budget “takes too much time.”
As a taxpayer, this kind of “reasoning” – and the lack of understanding and commitment it reflects - worries me greatly. Here’s why: The main idea behind a line-item budget is tighter control over expenditures. And while it has been used at many levels of government for a century or more, this does not make it antiquated. It’s as effective as it ever was at doing just that – controlling expenditures. Put another way, it helps to ensure accountability. Right there is a key difference between Boda and Campbell: the former feels such accountability is “almost antiquated.” The latter’s MIDDLE NAME is accountability. Can you guess which one I want overseeing the spending of my tax dollars, fellow citizens? Boda’s statement that he doesn’t think it fits the city at this time is asinine. Just WHEN do you propose to demand accountability, Mr. Boda? ? ? A year from now? Five? Fifty?
As for his feeling that a line-item budget “takes too much time”….well, that’s what I find most worrisome of all. That lack of commitment. In fact, that kind of thinking from a (would-be) city council member scares me. Takes too much time? Is that what I heard him say? What would he rather be doing instead of working on the budget that controls how our tax dollars are spent? What does he find more pressing or more worth his sweat? Whatever it is, I’d prefer he go do it. In the meantime, I’ll feel a lot more at ease knowing that Debbie Accountability Campbell is going over the proposed budget with the proverbial fine tooth comb and red pen – and spending a ton of time doing it. In Sunday’s Daily Times, Campbell said, “What sets me and my opponent apart is my willingness to drill down and cut wasteful spending. He thinks a line-item budget "takes too much time." I am and have always been willing to devote whatever time is needed.” How do we know she will do so? That’s easy: We know because that’s exactly what she has done for the past four years. This woman does not just talk the talk. She walks the walk and she’s got the track record to prove it. That’s not a matter of my opinion. It’s a matter of public record.
I can’t help but wonder what other issues Mr. Boda might feel “take too much time” to get down in the trenches and work on – and work on – and work on if that’s what’s needed to find acceptable solutions.
I wonder – but I’m not about to find out. I’m voting for the tried and true today. I’m voting for Debbie Campbell because her victory in this election means my victory against wasteful spending and rubber stamping in city government.
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