HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0717.010 2004-2006 Page 1 of 1
Eoff, Karen
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From: kkinkk@juno.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 4:13 PM
To: Piiago, K. Angel
Subject: Re: Public Hearings OP/CIP Budget Hearings in Kona
TESTIMONY FOR OP/CIP BUDGET HEARING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2006
Aloha Council Members,
Upon review of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for July 1, 2006 to June 30,2007 I was
astounded to discover it represents a 28.7 percent increase over the current budget. This is not
acceptable. Keep in mind that none of your constituents have seen a 28.7 percent increase in their
paychecks over the last year and those on fixed incomes are worse off. Yet these are the very people
that will have to foot the bill for the largesse this proposed budget represents.
Please consider the many families where both Mom and Dad already work two and three jobs just to
make ends meet. The Council may feel this budget is reasonable, but those who must pay the bill will
surely see a lower standard of living if this budget is passed as drafted.
I urge you in the strongest possible terms to be ruthless and slash the proposed budget with a hatchet
and bring the cost down to a reasonable level that our citizens can afford. Please treat this proposed
budget as if these were your own personal funds you plan to spend and I'm sure you will then
understand how inflated the proposed budget really is.
You know if a family or business wants to purchase a "big ticket" item they have to plan and save for it
or figure out how they will service the debt load. They do not trade off food, shelter, utilities or
transportation for things they'd like to have. I ask each of to take a hard look at the "like to haves" in
this budget and cut them ruthlessly.
Thank you for the opportunity to present my views,
Keith King
73-994 Ahikawa Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Te1:325-7935
Comm. No. ~ 7•
Ref. To:PrWe.~
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3/22/2006