Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
JOHN KOSTER
Councilman gives up local authority
Regarding the Thursday article, “Koster will run against Larsen for 2nd District Congressional seat”:
John Koster made the campaign promise that he would not vote to increase taxes. How is it that given this capitulation of the authority of the seat he occupies that he represents anyone? By making such a statement he has placed the interests of the 1st Council District in the hands of the remaining council members. They do not need to consult with him on the interest or concerns of the district. They are free to craft legislation, including tax increases, without him. Further, he passes the buck, or the bill, without regard.
During these tough economic times greater efficiency and the reduction of county spending should be paramount. Mr. Koster has advocated this for years, yet he has offered no long-term solution to the problems of funding even the most basic of county services like the sheriff’s office or any other county service.
Having offered no creditable improvements to the efficiency or reduction of county government and abdicating his authority, Mr. Koster failed to represent the 1st Council District of Snohomish County. He is a demonstrably poor choice to represent the 2nd Congressional District.
Michael Ashley
Stanwood
John Koster made the campaign promise that he would not vote to increase taxes. How is it that given this capitulation of the authority of the seat he occupies that he represents anyone? By making such a statement he has placed the interests of the 1st Council District in the hands of the remaining council members. They do not need to consult with him on the interest or concerns of the district. They are free to craft legislation, including tax increases, without him. Further, he passes the buck, or the bill, without regard.
During these tough economic times greater efficiency and the reduction of county spending should be paramount. Mr. Koster has advocated this for years, yet he has offered no long-term solution to the problems of funding even the most basic of county services like the sheriff’s office or any other county service.
Having offered no creditable improvements to the efficiency or reduction of county government and abdicating his authority, Mr. Koster failed to represent the 1st Council District of Snohomish County. He is a demonstrably poor choice to represent the 2nd Congressional District.
Michael Ashley
Stanwood
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