Letter: Let common sense guide government

Slow news day at the Voice (Jan. 22)? Spending money on school safety beacons to protect children on the Bowdish hill by delaying for one year the second half of the 5.5 percent salary increase for nonunion employees is about prioritizing spending.

The reality of limited resources in government demands tough choices, with money spent and conserved for the citizens and their needs – public safety, roads, parks and encouraging economic opportunity.

Capitalizing on a small piece of county-owned property at Thierman Road and the freeway, transferred at no cost to our city, ridding it of weeds, enhancing it with a little grass, water and signage seems like a common-sense solution for a nicer view entering Appleway Boulevard. Realtors might call it “staging” that entrance.

Call me fiscally irresponsible, but I think it’s a lower cost way to begin addressing the appearance and needs of the Sprague/Appleway business route. Let’s seek targeted, innovative, business-based solutions as opposed to $40 million schemes based on a massive government overreach called Sprague/Appleway Revitalization that is in reality the redistribution of your money and property.

Let’s get past the silliness and get “real.” We must find common-sense solutions that put our citizens first. Thank you.

Dean Grafos

Spokane Valley city councilman