Direction of I.C. council needs to change

Across the nation, federal, state and local governments are dealing with budget shortfalls. Most are cutting the non-essential parts of their budget and steering away from tax increases. Iowa families and business alike have tightened their belts to balance budgets.

In Iowa City, the leadership is out of touch with the realities of today. They insist on using the same old tax-and-spend tactics. This council chooses to go after the police and fire departments while raising taxes. These departments should be the top two priorities of our city.

I respectfully ask the city manager and our council to put together a budget without raising taxes or cutting police and fire. Prioritize all of the city's expenditures. Start with your highest priority and work your way down to your last. Cut programs from the bottom up until you have a balanced budget. Then let's have a debate over which path to travel.

Let our voices be heard. Tell the council we are taxed enough already. Cut spending first. If our council is unwilling to have a discussion about cutting spending, we will have to take matters into our own hands. In November, four of our councilors are up for re-election. In 2011, Iowa City will have a Tea Party. The direction of our council and city needs to change. It's up to us to do it.

Tim Borchardt

Iowa City