Consider city representation
Dear citizens,
I feel the need to clarify and justify the issue of redistricting our city into three wards versus the long standing current two wards. There appears to be some confusion and misinformation in our midst.
First and foremost, the redistricting would not increase taxes or governing in any way.
It would divide the city boundaries into three equal areas and thus be better represented by adding two more councilmen to represent smaller areas. As it is, councilmen are spread thin over two large and ever growing ward areas. Our city is the least represented in the entire state per capita. You deserve better and more diverse representation. The cost of adding two more councilmen would be approximately $6,000 per year for both for their time and service to you the taxpayer.
How to fund them? One councilman suggested decreasing council pay by half. That is exactly what was just passed with the upcoming mayor's starting salary reduction. This will just further discourage anyone from running for office. Consider the responsibilities of that office. Would you take that on for $100 per month?
There have been comparative studies of pay scales, and we have one of the very lowest in the state as it is. There are other options of which I will list just a few:
• Reevaluate current pay structure for city employees covering cost of living, merit, bonuses, etc. which last year totaled more than $50,000.
• Library allotment from city general each year even though it currently has in excess of $60,000 in savings.
• Paying a private business which is not in the city and pays no city tax a $1000 "retainer" monthly whether or not their services are needed by the city.
These are just a few areas and there are more which could be trimmed to fund this small amount for improving our citizen representation.
This upcoming election is for four positions: mayor, two alderman seats, and city clerk/treasurer. The other two alderman seats will be up for election in two years. This election is the prime time to upgrade our city representation and its growth. New ideas are what we need and I have full confidence that there is a multitude of talent and skilled individuals who could further advance our city potential.
Please contact your current representatives with questions, concerns, input and suggestions. And consider attending City Council meetings and if so led, run for an office!
Our elected positions answer to you the taxpaying citizen.
Thank you.
Bob Cottingham
Alderman, Ward 1 Position 2
Pea Ridge, Ark.
Editorial on 07/18/2018