Dear Mayor Bergson and Council members,

I am opposed to an increase in the city's property tax to cover the city's budget shortfall. Let's face it, we have to run the city's finances as we do our households. If at home we have a budget shortfall we can't go and confiscate it from the neighbors, we either have to get another job or cut the expenses. The same has to hold true for the city. Either come up with a revenue generating business or cut expenses. I know you will threaten the cuts will be made in police and fire, that is what we ALWAYS hear. Why not be honest and do cuts through a freeze on hiring, cut jobs that are duplicated in the city or county or other government organization. Try farming out some of the tasks if it would be less expensive. There are alot of creative ways of saving money. I would be willing to sit down and help brainstorm and work towards along term viable solution to the fiscal shortfall.
But raising taxes IS NOT the answer. You can get ahold of me at the office XXX - XXXX and I would be happy to visit with you about this.

(Chamber withheld name)