We need accountability for our tax dollars

For all the passion people put into partisan politics, on the federal and state level, it is local government at the city and county levels that actually affects our daily lives the most.

If, like me, you read the 19th century formatted pages that list local government expenditures each month, you must wonder: Why don't we have a better model for citizen participation?

For example, instead of an uncategorized check ledger, we need to see monthly itemization that includes year to date and even historical comparisons. And we should be able to go to a website anytime to see - in an easy-to-access manner - ongoing expenses, investments and obligations accumulating in our names.

We taxpayers have far more detailed requirements requested of us by our local, state and federal governments. Yet we have been giving a pass to the very people who are spending the money we provide. We need accountability from those we employ to manage our tax dollars.

Thomas E. Simon

Mount Vernon