Debbie Campbell's Full Comment to the Daily Times

"Against my objections and the caution of countless citizens, the council majority has been determined to borrow and spend for years. They did so with little regard for the burden being placed on the average taxpayer. As an example, millions of dollars in developer reimbursements (subsidies) were paid for with borrowed money - adding the additional expense of interest.

"Meaningful operating cuts that will result in long-term savings need to be
made. At the same time we must maintain our infrastructure and provide
core services at the most efficient level possible. We need to create a 5-year budget forecast to use as a road map and live within our means as a community.

"As the economy rebounds we need to pay down debt and rebuild the financial
strength of the city."