Giving money to Arts Place was a mistake (08/17/07)

To the editor:

Shame on city council.

This letter may not sit well with some in the community, but the current economic condition of most communities and taxpayers facing the loss of their property make it necessary. It is a shame that in today's economic climate that people want to gripe but will do nothing to fix the problem.

A major problem is the submissive attitude most people have today. They want to gripe, raise hell and point the finger, but are not willing to step up to the plate. You do make a difference. If they are ever going to stop this runaway spending by politicians and school boards, they must participate in the meetings and/or vote them out of office ASAP.

Favoritism, lobbyists and the lack of common sense and good business and management skills rule many of these people. They may have good intentions at first, but when spending someone else's money or other possible incentives comes into play, these people change their minds and everyone is for himself or herself.

With all the conversation, griping and complaining about taxes and spending, how could Portland City Council members Glen Bryant, Kip Robinette, Jerry Leonhard and Dolphus Stephens even consider voting a $5,000 donation to Arts Place or any other organization - especially tax-exempt ones?

That organization exists from tax dollars through grants, other liberal organizations, government departments and private donations so their proceeds can come from the same. I am not against Arts Place, but just like the schools, if they cannot pay their own way then they must cut spending in certain or many areas or departments not paying their way. Arts Place came into existence like any other business. Someone had an idea, had a backer or banker, or spent their own money and hoped they could make it. Most do not make it, but they tried.

The citizens want spending cut, not replaced with freewill giving of our tax dollars. I hope this brain twink by city council never happens again. This not-for-profit, non-taxpaying organization has a nice building, pays the director and employees fairly, and maintains its property well. We have businesses and business people in Portland and Jay County that have operated their homes and businesses on a shoestring for years and are on the verge of losing their homes or closing shop.

Why give advertising or any money to any non-taxpaying entity when that money could have gone toward advertising or repairs of a struggling taxpaying business or property owner? The council's responsibility is to the taxpayers, regardless of what they may think. If you or any spender of taxpayer's money believe that non-taxpayers or organizations come first, you are about to get a lesson from the American taxpayers and voters.

Taxation without rational and responsible representation will become outdated. Currently we lack the responsible representation in our school corporations and most of our cities, counties, state and federal government.

We need a master plan to curb our outlandish, irresponsible spending on unnecessary projects, but first we need competent master planners. Outside engineers and financial planners are expensive with one object in mind, and that is getting our money. Just like the school corporations and governments, they usually express a large spending program, and never an idea of how to cut costs, save money, and be efficient.

Jim Sanders

Portland

(Editor's note: Mr. Sanders, who lives on East Votaw Street, is not the Jim Sanders who is the Democratic nominee for mayor in the upcoming general election.)

Scout thanks

To the editor:

Portland Cub Scout Pack 3202 would like to thank Fisher Packing Co. for donating hot dogs, McDonald's for donating drinks, cups, condiments and coupons, and Wal-Mart for donating a $20 gift certificate for the Cub Scout graduation and fishing derby held Saturday, Aug. 4.

We would also like to thank all of the Cub Scout Committee members for all their help.

The winners of the Fishing Derby were: Johnathan Hudson, first to catch a fish; Keith Turpin, smallest fish; and Hunter Gillette, largest fish.

Julie E. Kelly

Portland

Thank you

To the editor:

This was my first year as superintendent for the 4-H Building at the fair. In the years past, I have helped with project check-in and check-out, and assisting of judges. I really had no idea what all was ahead of me.

On July 5 I sustained an injury to my knee and broke a bone in my foot. I was told to stay off my feet as much as possible. I would not have been able to complete my task if it had not been for the great deal of help I received.

I would first like to thank my co-chairmen LuAnn Zimmerman and the extension office staff of John, Shelba, Debbie and Andy. The 4-H Council, my daughter MeLinda Roush, Jim Ann, Hope, Heather and Hannah Lugar were all a very big help for two full weeks.

I would also like to thank Quentin and Kim Hinshaw, Missy Rohrer, Linda Heitkamp and her children, and Teresa Geesaman and the junior leaders; Judith, Ryan and Julie Massie, Jenny and Fred Jackson, Krystal Bell and her son Zachary, Christy Lane and her son, Connie Muhlenkamp, Meg Habegger, Sue Ann McLaughlin, Rita Kerrigan and her daughter, Paul Scott, Clayton Scott, Esther Stephen, Katie Snyder, Lloyd Weesner, Blake Davis, Lindsey Weesner, Courtney Garringer, Kandy Ervin, Bob Schmitt, Shelly Link, Katie Link, Bill McAbee and his wife, Tammy Horn, Amanda Somers, Betsy Skiver and Ron Zimmerman.

I hope I have not left anyone out, because all of the help was noticed and was a big help. Thank you again for all of your support. Please remember to sign up to help in the kitchen for the tractor and engine show.

Our youth here in Jay County are wonderful. It is great to watch them when they come to see what they have worked so hard to complete. I have been a club leader for 25 years now, and the kids make me so proud to be a part of the great tradition of 4-H youth in this community.

Teresa Weesner

Portland[[In-content Ad]]