Council’s action an insult to taxpayers

On Aug. 13 I saw how truly out of touch four members of the Everett City Council are with regard to spending our tax money. Cities and towns all over the country are tightening their belts and prioritizing projects as to need and ability to pay. Not in Everett! Council members Brenda Stonecipher, Mark Olson, Paul Roberts and Drew Nielsen voted to move forward with spending $4 million of taxpayer money to satisfy their personal special interest.

I am sure Everett’s revenue is declining, and with an uncertain financial future, how dare these elected officials spend $4 million for a children’s theater. Is this how these elected folks prioritize needs of our citizens? The Performing Arts Center currently provides a stage for kids. Just because they want more space is not a valid reason at this time to spend this kind of money.

The business community has been hit hard and has been cutting expenses, reducing employees and adjusting to stay in business. With gas prices high and costs rising on most everything, we all struggle to keep bills paid. Reckless spending by the City Council shows a total disregard for all of us who pay taxes.

Stonecipher’s, Olson’s and Roberts’ connections with Village Theatre speak volumes about their vote. Everett has more than 100,000 citizens — please represent all of us, not just a small segment of our population! Please reconsider your action and restore our confidence in city government.

Patty Williams