Inside Mesa

Unfortunately, my questions emailed in for the debate were not included in the over 60 responding to a request for questions if anyone in the community wanted to do so. I had good questions, some answered in part — I have even better comments.The bottom line is, Councilmember Rawles made incorrect statements and assumptions. Speaking at a rally of 70 supporters to keep Mesa safe just prior to the debate last night, former Police Chiefs Dennis Donna and Jan Strauss AND United Mesa Firefighters President Brian Jeffries made it very clear, without additional revenue, Mesa’s essential city services cannot keep pace with growth.Proposed cuts Councilmember Tom Rawles suggested do not solve the ongoing financial problems or the future additional funds the City will need for Police and Fire support.Mesa’s Police Department are not fully supported because of the decrease in civilian support. About 60 vacancies, almost 12%, are not funded in an attempt to help the City balance its current budget. Support positions are critical in that they relieve officers of administrative duties and allow them to do their primary jobs. Most people don’t realize the amount of paperwork involved in almost all, if not every activity officers encounter!I understand the Fire Department is in need of additional Fire Stations to serve our current community and for Mesa’s future growth — that growth is not anticipated, it will happen….it is happening.To complain about Mesa’s spending is inaccurate and not fair. Compared to the nation’s top 50 cities, Mesa is the third cheapest city for the cost of government. The first two, and only two cities where citizens pay less for government are Arlington, Texas (oil rich) and Las Vegas, Nevada (gambling rich). Some of us may be supporting Nevada’s city government every time a visit is made to any city in Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, Laughlin, and Reno. Invest in Mesa!Selling the city’s water farm in Pinal County, whether all or part, won’t solve Mesa’s ongoing revenue stream challenges. A shortsighted, short-term solution may not "hold water". Our city may need this water in the future, especially in a drought cyle! Last night Councilmember Tom Rawles stated supporters of Question 1 and Question 2 are "elitists." As a retired citizen of Mesa, I am interested in the best for Mesa and for myself. That means Police, Fire, and all that goes with it, to fully support their service to the community - which is ensuring public safety. Libraries that are fully functioning, whose patrons are of every age, is a no-brainer. Safe streets, unquestionably, a must.It appears to me the finger was pointing in the wrong direction - the other 4 pointed to Councilmember Rawles who appears to be the elitist. He can afford these "luxeries" and doesn’t need city government or a stable revenue source.