Government: Tax on Utilities in Duarte

I am among those in Duarte who opposed the utility tax in statements made at the May 10 meeting. I do this in principle for seeking improvement in governmental financial responsibility at all levels. It seems appropriate to start at home in our city. I would like to see, using a perhaps shopworn phrase, a reinvention of government financing practices. I would not place blame on anyone for our situation. This would be wrong and would not be constructive nor productive even if it were correct.

From my observation, by far the greatest number of residents who spoke at the meeting had something constructive to suggest or merely expressed their opinion on the various proposals under consideration. They did not purport blame, nor threat, nor any other non-constructive message. It is unfortunate that a few chose to blame or threaten. We have some people in our city, just as in our society as a whole, who tend to choose these tactics when emotions rise.

Perhaps, in the process of improving government, we can also show there is a better way to resolve our differences. This might have the benefit of improving people’s attitude and behavior toward each other when faced with difficult issues. I would be proud to see that improvement also begin in Duarte.

It is also unfortunate that The Times statement on this meeting exaggerated the significance of these blameful and threatening statements with the expression: “Many of the more than 20 residents who spoke on the tax blamed poor city management. . . .” From my observation, this is incorrect. It would be more appropriate to say, “Although a few of the more than 20 residents who spoke on the subject blamed poor city management, by far the greatest number simply expressed their opinion on the various proposals, including the tax, or offered alternatives in a constructive way.”

LYNN GLOVER

Duarte