Valley officials need communication skills

The March 14 Vocal Point written by Mike DeVleming makes several points concerning disincorporation. He attacks the disincorporation group for facts and numbers they have announced. He says that “most of the Valley wanted Appleway extended” and that half of the $42 million price for Sprague-Appleway revitalization is for that extension. Actually, most who want Appleway extended only want this if it remains a one-way street. He says that up to 80 percent may be funded by grants. What I read as a taxpayer is that somewhere from zero to $30-plus million will come from grants. Why is this not told to us by our officials? How much grant money should we actually expect? Will we find this out before it is too late?

Mr. DeVleming acknowledges that the city budget has risen from $33 million to $111 million. He goes on to explain part of that is carry-over from the previous year and part of it is from state and federal grants. Does the average citizen know how much of the budget is from each of these? Why is a third of the budget carried over? Does this amount just continue to build up year after year? Can it be brought under control? Isn’t this a responsibility of our elected officials? Shouldn’t these officials do a better job of communicating with us?

Next, he speaks of opportunities for public comments to the City Council. I have attended four meetings concerning Sprague-Appleway revitalization. I listened to probably over 200 people speak on the topic. My estimate is that around 90 percent of these comments were soundly against making these streets two-way. Does it sound like the council members are listening to us when they insist we go back to two-way traffic?

It took four or five elections to incorporate this city, how about signing the disincorporation petition so we have just one chance to revert back? Isn’t that democracy?

If you wish to contact me, my e-mail is bill_behrens@msn.com

Bill Behrens

Spokane Valley