EDITOR:

In response to January 11-12 “Inflation looms over Escanaba’s budget”. Recently our utilities were raised and raised again. We had to use less heat (turned down to get on budget plan) less water and frequent “Vinnies Boutique” for clothes, food, Budget Dollar has bargains and Culvers kids menu – even for wrinkled kids is an occasional treat. So, when the article mentioned that some of the inflation burden will be passed to the tax payers through a 3.1% change on property taxes. “No! People already cut and cut again (see above). Now, SHELTER?

Our governor has a surplus of our money that she uses as she choses. How do citizens choose to end the burden of inflation/gouging? The city must cut and prioritize.

Too many citizens are working poor; working 2 jobs, driving junkers and frequent the Feeding America and Salvation Army, etc…….food banks. “Sources are falling short”. (They have cut off their expenditures) Mandates – orders with no funds behind them, continue to manhandle us as PFA’s and renewable energy. The later should not progress unless it’s a proven cost savings to the city. Public works ambitious plan to fight their limping along on parts war (us, too) is admirable and must be prioritized in affordable sequences as for parks; Remember Kids Kingdom and the wonderful volunteers? Streets disturbed by water and sewage projects need to be fixed. Basic! But mandates that are dictated and unfunded (Fed way of cutting their costs) can’t continue. The elec/renewable regulations must be sent back to Washington. What’s done so far must show a cost savings or be discontinued. “Clean” energy is sometimes a dirty political secret. Negative return except for those not paying the bills.

MEAP/more requirements — friends from us — taxes to give to low income. Say no to constant nibbling at our incomes.

One council meeting doesn’t mean approval. A flowed budget (with exceptions) with too many knee jerk mandates will fuel inflation. We need a series of meetings and a vote to stop inflation.

Fran Balcerak

Escanaba