To the editor:
Time is running out and important dates are approaching.
In July of 2007, I returned to Caribou after having been out of the state for a number of years. Upon my return, I purchased a new modular home. When I received my first tax bill, some of my friends advised that my taxes seemed high in comparison to theirs. As I inquired into the matter, more and more factors concerning our city government presented themselves. These included city spending, growth of city payroll and a mass of citizen complaints.
During this time, I became involved with Citizens for Responsible City Management, a group of Caribou residents who have nothing to gain by trying to make our city leaders more fiscally responsible to the citizens of Caribou.
While collecting signatures last summer for our petition to change city accounting methods and get voter approval for the budget to run our city, many of you voiced concerns over the direction the city was going. It was said that the citizens should be on the top shelf, elected officials one shelf down and city management below that. Many of you felt the structure in Caribou was just reversed. We secured considerably more signatures than required.
Again this past June, you voted to establish a charter commission. Its job is to review the existing charter, some 40 years old, and make suggested changes. The charter commission has no, repeat, no power. They will make only suggested changes or revisions. I am sure your input would be welcome. After all, it is your city. When the commission finishes its work, it will be you, the citizens of Caribou, the people on the top shelf, who will go to the polls and vote to accept or reject the suggested changes.
The commission will consist of nine members, three appointed by the city council and six elected by the citizens of Caribou. By the way, of the three appointees, two have said no changes were necessary in the charter, or they see no reason for the commission. In other words, it’s business as usual. This is after the petition signatures and your vote to establish a commission. Now really.
The two important dates I referred to earlier are Sept. 17 and Nov. 2. The Sept. 17th date is the date the nomination papers must be turned in, in order to be on the November ballot. Nomination papers and details are available at the City Clerk’s office. Remember the Sept. 17 deadline for returning nomination papers, and Nov. 2nd is voting day. Time is short!
It was stated at a recent council meeting that two years ago at this time, there was approximately $600,000 on the plus side between income and expenses. Last year that amount was approximately $400,000. This year it is estimated to be $50,000! Do you believe there might be a problem looming?
Most of us are concerned about the growth and spending of the federal government, but is Caribou any different? Caribou is a microcosm of the national structure!
As stated above, you have expressed your concerns and ideas both during the petition drive and your vote. Now is the time to take the next step. During your cookouts over Labor Day, your coffee with friends, your golf games, wherever, talk to your gathering about getting involved. Involved in submitting their names for either a position on the charter commission or a run for the city council. Caribou, I am sure, will be better for it.
Caribou
