By Stu Rassmussen
I thought about sending out one of those ordinary election letters – you know the kind – “Vote for me because I’m the best whatever blah blah blah.”
I’ve been in business in Silverton for over 40 years and I’ve spent 24 years in local government – as your city councilor, mayor and library board member – and if I haven’t earned your vote by now doing the best job I can, mailing you one fluffy piece of shameless self-promotion isn’t going to make a difference.
Let me tell you, as mayor being a fiscal conservative when those around you vote to spend your tax dollars without limit or logic is frustrating.
A US President once said, “Nothing is easier than the expenditure of public money. It doesn’t to belong to anyone. The temptation is overwhelming to bestow it on somebody.”
That’s not my style.
Reading this year’s Voter’s Pamphlet it is amazing to see tired old candidates decking themselves out in new garb. Almost every candidate crows about being “fiscally conservative” and “frugal.”
Give me a break!
Look at the public voting record of some of these self-anointed “frugal” folks!
Spend, spend, spend and then spend some more!
What do we get for our tax dollars? Expensive boondoggles and useless frou-frou while the community’s critical needs are not being addressed.
If you see fit to honor me with your vote at this election, please consider carefully who you select for your city councilors.
As a Silverton voter and taxpayer, when I examine the candidates in a search for good people to responsibly spend my tax money, I am favorably impressed with Steve Kaser, Laurie Carter, Jason Freilinger and Steve Springer.
Your vote for any three of the four will be well-placed and good for Silverton and our future financial health.
Times are tough and we need the best brains we can muster for public service.
I’ve known Steve Kaser since we both attended Silverton High School. He’s smart and has a lot of common sense.
I’ve gotten to know Laurie Carter better since her appointment to the council in 2010. Although she’s a little nervous doing public speaking, Laurie does her homework and is thoughtful and considerate in her deliberations.
Jason Freilinger shows promise and he’s bold enough to start a business in downtown Silverton. He has the makings of a statesman, and Steve Springer is a relative newcomer to Silverton but seems to have a good head on his shoulders and a calming presence.
No doubt you will hear whining about me from other candidates – attempts to criticize my “leadership style” – well yeah – when I try to lead this council to prudent and economical spending of your money, they run the other way.
Maybe the council is not lacking leadership, maybe it currently lacks financial common sense. Your vote for qualified, thoughtful and intelligent council candidates can make a difference. Please vote wisely.
Although I have recommended four people, please only vote for three… otherwise none of your votes will count.
Stu Rasmussen
Silverton
