Letter: Accountability sorely lacking in Henderson

Tuesday, June 12, 2001 | 9:28 a.m.

Henderson officials and some residents lament the failure of the police and fire "safety" measure in last Tuesday's election. Councilman Jack Clark gave a one-dimensional analysis of the results as meaning that "public safety at its current level is acceptable."

The reason for the measure's defeat, however, is obvious to the majority that has now twice voted no.

If this measure is indeed critical to maintaining health and safety in Henderson, then the city is negligent in not providing sufficient funding from its general budget. By making "safety" a bond proposition, the city sends a message that many other budgetary needs are more important -- it would be nice to know what they are.

The city must learn to actively and clearly communicate its budgetary needs to the public -- accountability is sorely lacking.

If indeed a larger fire and police infrastructure is needed because of increasing population, then this growth needs to pay for the additional infrastructure.

Most cities consider the health and safety of their citizens a primary responsibility -- one that comes before nearly all others.

If the current general budget is insufficient to support competing essential services, then new taxes should be debated -- but we'd all like to "see the books" first.

CHRISTIAN DAUGHTON