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<DIV>I was very happy to see a copy of the proposed budget in the June issue of
the Town Crier. In looking it over, I don't have any objections to Police
or Public Works. One item is a concern to me and I would like to hear what
others think. The Econ Development Promotion. When I attended a
recent Economic Development meeting, one issue that came up was that Kennedy
Smith who was hired by the town to promote Ec D still had not submitted her
report. I understand she lives in California. I remember attending
the first meeting several years ago when Kennedy Smith showed a power point
presentation, which was basically a resume. It was my understanding at
that time that the town would hire her as a consultant for $5000. Now I
understand we have paid her many more $$$$. She is not someone who is
noticeably seen around town nor have I seen her at the Economic Development
meetings, nor at the Riverdale Park Business Associaiton meetings and I don't
see where we have benefited from her consultations. I do notice that our
Rep Eric Olson is doing a great job with EcD and he is FREE! I object to
the $35000 if it is going to pay for her without results. I also think
that Econ Development Promotion expenses should be upon the backs of those who
benefit from the promotion - (read Developers) If we can't impose a tax on
owners of vacant buildings, there certainly are some things we can do.
Maybe charge for town owned parking spaces even if the buildings are
vacant. Maybe set up some codes to encourage owners of vacant buildings to
get them rented. Maybe give owners of rented buildings a break on license
fees and impose a very large license fee for vacant buildings. Maybe put
together a task force to come up with ideas to encourage smart development
in our town and discourage empty buildings. I would like the $35000 line
item for EcD to be deleted and I would not mind if it went to the Police or
Public Works.</DIV>
<DIV>#2 I also read about the idea of "privatizing trash
collection:". I am very much against this. I would like to see the
town continue to pick up trash. (It was one of the reasons we incorporated
in the 1920's) If money needs to be saved, then I would suggest not
purchasing bucket trucks, street cleaning machines etc which are very large
expenses and instead outsourcing these particular jobs. If we want to
outsource town services, then let's not stop at trash collection let's go all
the way and dissolve our town charter and go back to an all county service
area.</DIV>
<DIV>Audrey</DIV>
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