There can be no doubt that all of us share in the unfortunate economic times that have befallen most citizens of our country. It seems to me that those who historically have been insulated from the rise and fall of business in the past are also included in the belt tightening that is happening in the market place. Most people have been under the assumption that government is not affected by falling wages and loss of jobs and opportunity. But now elected officials are learning that their revenue is declining at unprecedented amounts due to falling home values. Those municipal departments like Salem’s water and sewer divisions which receive no property tax dollars to operate are feeling the pinch due to business’s and industry closing their doors. As an example your water and wastewater department exist much like a business on the square here in Salem. That is much like a privately owned store, your water department conducts business from the income it derives from you monthly water bill. The loss of income due to less water bills being collected is a mountain to climb especially when you are faced with the challenges of repair and upkeep on an infrastructure that was built in the 1940’s. As I have pledged this is not a problem that will be put on the backs of the taxpayers. You have elected me to be the hill climber and the problem solver and it’s an honor that I have cherished these past few years. As you will see in the coming months your city as always will overcome these problems by conservative spending and efficiency in operating these departments. Making tough decisions in regard to a reduction of force is never easy. I must say any sleepless nights I have had since taking office has been because of personnel issues. My only comfort in knowing that the choices we are forced to make due to funding, will benefit every citizen of our great City. This is the only way any elected official can justify its actions and hopefully get a good nights rest.
I hope a lot of you have noticed we have increased the man power and time dedicated to cleaning up our city streets. This year we have sent crews into neighborhoods to remove some of the trash that seems to accumulate from the long winter. Please feel free that if you should see an area that is not privately owned that could use a little upkeep contact my office @ 883-4265. Also as always I have been conducting my neighborhood block walks with several of your cities department superintendents in an effort to listen to your thoughts and concerns. If any of you would like for me to come to your area and meet with you and your neighbors just give me a call and I will be there.
Thanks for allowing me to be your Mayor!
David
