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Here we go again, another City of Bangor budget, which of course means higher taxes for all concerned. During this time of higher food costs and outrageous fuel costs, how can we even consider an increase of 19%?
Who comes up with this stuff? Obviously those who have an abundance of funds of which they have no need. I, for one, do not fall within that category and have no way to adjust my income to afford such an increase.
As I read this article in our daily newspaper there is much I take umbrage with, such as $4.5 million for infrastructure improvements, $200,000 to hire consultants for a mall development plan (hasn’t Michael Cole already done that), $150,000 to the Community Connector (I live on the bus route and seldom is there many on the bus).
I must also mention the expense of the Penobscot County assessment of a 17.6% increase due to poor accounting measures in the past and what I consider an ineffective administration.
I must also add a few words concerning the Bangor Health and Community Services departments plan to deliver syringes. How ridiculous is that? It’s like we’re making it easy for addicts to remain addicts instead of forcing them to break a need that I think many of them have created or have chosen that life. I think we must quit being enablers. Let’s try the tough love approach.
Wayne LeVasseur
Bangor