My Thoughts Following Last Night’s Meeting

At yesterday’s meeting, I made the motion to accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from members of the community to fill Commissioner Jerry Ivy’s seat. I believed this was the right approach because the alternative suggested by the City Manager was to appoint a former commissioner. Opening the process to the public was the only logical path.

Now, I challenge my fellow commissioners to read the room and recognize where our community is today. If citizens truly have meaningful input, as they should, I believe they will want someone who is willing to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, and provide an independent voice rather than simply go along with the status quo.

A year ago, I ran alongside Jak Kellar and Keith Cooper as the “Trifecta.” Voters clearly wanted change. While I was the only one elected, the message was unmistakable: many people believed City Hall’s priorities had become disconnected from the community.

One year later, our list of problems has grown faster than our list of solutions. That points to a leadership problem. I want to be part of solving those problems, not contributing to them.

Water Must Become Our Top Priority

Clean, reliable drinking water should be at the top of our agenda.

During last night’s discussion about the 2016 sales tax vote, it was noted that the ballot language never mentioned River Renewal. Jacob Wood defended the city’s position by saying informational brochures distributed after the election discussed directing funds toward River Renewal.

Regardless of that explanation, the reality is that significant taxpayer dollars have been reserved for River Renewal while our aging water infrastructure continues to deteriorate.

I believe those funds should be returned to the general fund and redirected toward replacing water mains and improving our water system. Infrastructure was a key reason voters approved that sales tax. Water infrastructure, like streets, is never “finished.” Pipes wear out, and many of ours are well beyond their useful life.

If we continue with our current priorities, we will never get ahead of this problem.

Accountability Matters

“Sheltergate” and “Cozygate” continue consuming taxpayer dollars and dominating commission meetings. Some have suggested that if these issues disappeared, citizens would simply find something else to complain about. I disagree. These situations should never have reached this point in the first place.

The shelter consultant, in my opinion, was a poor use of taxpayer money. Now, we need transparency. Once the consultant’s report is received, it should be released immediately, with only legally necessary redactions, such as personal names, if required. The public paid for it and deserves to see it.

Budget Decisions Matter

The City is currently preparing next year’s budget.

A city mill levy increase appears to be on the horizon. If I remember correctly, it could cost the average homeowner roughly $20 to $30 per month.

Families are already dealing with rising insurance premiums, higher storm deductibles, inflation, and the financial impact of recent storms. My own homeowner’s insurance increased by nearly 30 percent despite my never filing a claim.

I understand the city’s costs have increased as well, but it is difficult to ask taxpayers for more while so many dollars continue to be spent on projects and decisions that many believe are misdirected.

You Are the Shareholders

The citizens of Salina are the shareholders of this city.

You deserve to be heard. While I don’t enjoy hearing so much frustration expressed during commission meetings, I understand where it comes from. Our responsibility as elected officials is to listen and solve problems, not dismiss concerns.

If the City were a company, many shareholders would be selling their stock. In a community, however, “selling your stock” often means moving away. I’d much rather see us fix what’s wrong.

Your Voice Matters

I encourage every resident to contact your commissioners and insist that the public have a meaningful voice in selecting Commissioner Ivy’s replacement.

Otherwise, the decision will be made by a majority of the current commission, and there is a very real possibility that the appointment simply adds another automatic “yes” vote rather than an independent thinker.

A Final Thought

Regarding the Vice Mayor vote, every commissioner has exactly one vote. The Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Commissioners all have equal voting power.

I recognize the privilege I have in serving on this commission. That privilege comes from you, the people of Salina. During my years owning McDonald’s restaurants, success came from listening to employees, customers, and people who weren’t afraid to tell me when we could do better. Daily, we tried to do better than the day before, the week before, and the month before.

Last Saturday, while attending a family wedding in Michigan, my 8-year-old grandniece asked me a question that has stayed with me:

“What did you do today that will make you proud when you look back on it?”

That’s a question every one of us, especially those in leadership, should ask ourselves every single day.

Doug

To email your city commissioners, click the link.

Email City Commission