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Dear Editor:
Have you ever wondered why someone would throw gasoline on a fire instead of water? I have and I wondered what was the ultimate goal, what’s the motive? What does one gain from this?
I am referring to the proposed municipal fee in Chester. I wonder why anyone would go the lengths to pass out petitions stating they are against it. Strange that even people that don’t have a nickle in this dime, in other words they don’t even live in the city of Chester, would pass them around.
When we look at the big picture, we see that for 30 years there has not been an increase in the fee. Are you still paying the same amount for your other services? Gas, electric, cable, phone, groceries, I don’t think so.
The last two council meetings have had an increase in attendance and that’s a good thing, I only wish residents could have been here for the other meetings then they would understand how the city is struggling financially, and the facts that are presented at every meeting. Our mayor has called for transparency and had the citizens who really had a concern, I wish they would have been there. Remember the mayor, the councilmen and the city clerk will have to pay the same fee raise.
Referring to the petition, were residents asked to sign a petition that mis-stated the salaries of the city clerk, the councilmen, the mayor? One point of misinformation was an amount granted to the city by the Hancock County Commissioners when in fact nothing was received this term. Just a thought that if the petition goes through, it could cost the city up to $5,000. Guess where that money will come from – residents, even those that signed the petition.
The citizens elected the mayor, the councilmen and the city clerk and I assume they voted with confidence in these that they would do all within their power to make every action in the interest of making Chester a good place to live. Why would anyone go to such great lengths to fight this proposal? Do they want to see a reduction in the police force, the water department, etc. Let’s face it, nothing is free.
Again I ask the question, why would one person strive so hard to defeat a fee that would only cost $7.50 a month on a fixed income. Please don’t tell me it’s because they care about the elderly of Chester because I am one and I’ll pay the raise to retain all the services that we now have.
Did they sign the petition for an individual’s gain? I ask that they support our city officials. They carry a heavy burden with no interest in personal gain. They aren’t looking for loop holes to get rid of certain officials and tearing down what has been built up.
Let’s make our town for what it is known – a friendly place to raise children, to stroll or run the sidewalks, and, yes, a place to spend your old age. Nothing to lose and a lot to gain. We have a beautiful city building full of wonderful memories. A facility that accommodates all the city offices, a gym, and a great banquet room. Last question, why does someone want to tear it down? Makes me wonder.
Sheron Brookes Woodruff
Chester