OpiNION

Shrek:
For your information, there is a lot more to ogres than people think.

Donkey: Example?

Shrek:  Example … uh … ogres are like onions!

Donkey:  They stink?

Shrek:  Yes … NO!

Donkey: Oh, they make you cry?

Shrek:
No! Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers … you get it? We both have layers.

Donkey:
Oh, you both have LAYERS. Oh. You know, not everybody like onions.  CAKE!  Everybody loves cake! Cakes have layers.

• • • • •

Who knew an ogre could inspire such a wise a$$?

No matter the symbol one may assign to the current state of H.A.R.T., Proposition 1, or the budget challenge, it is clear that change is afoot.

We need to re-evaluate the construct of our taxes and the mechanisms in place to deliver those back to the people.  The intent of any fund is rendered impractical if it is not used for such.

In light of our current dilemma Proposition 1 is a winwin. It provides us a short-term reprieve and it affords us the opportunity to continue a larger conversation on how to tackle long term, sustainable solutions to funding our city services.  

With $7.5 million in the H.A.R.T. fund we sit well positioned to take on any necessary projects that fall in line with its prescribed use, and that which our maintenance budget can bear. So this is not an abandonment of this program nor an attempt to diminish the value of our roads or trails.  It is simply a re-prioritization of its next three years of collections.  

A “yes” vote on Proposition 1 provides the most practical short-term solution and the best representation of these tax dollars to our community at this time.  

I, personally, prefer cake.

Heath Smith

Homer City Council member