Editor:

During the last City Council meeting, council person Kingrea stated three times that he “trusts the mayor” when he asserts that the budget has been completely scrubbed. However, Rick has it wrong — as it is his job to investigate and verify the mayor’s budget assertions. We must have checks and balances. Furthermore, Mayor Kant, through look, word and deed, has demonstrated that he cannot be trusted.

Mayor Kant told us during the last election cycle that the city was “in the black.” We now know it is tens of millions in debt. Also, the City Council recently unanimously voted a 4 percent pay raise for all city employees — including themselves — in a down economy and when the city apparently faced an impending economic crisis. These are actions that foment public distrust.

The bottom line is that more position and salary cuts can be made, and the scope and purpose of government can be considerably diminished to affect cost savings.

After thoughtful consideration, I have concluded that Fairhope should sell its utilities instead of imposing a 2-cent sales tax on its residents for the following reasons:

1. Fairhope’s utilities are not producing income at a level that justifies their continuance. The city annually robs each business entity of 80 percent of its profits to run city services and pay salaries. This of course leaves each business derelict in its ability to reinvest in needed infrastructure. The end result is that the vehicles, parts and tools used by these entities are falling apart. Eventually the city will be forced to reinvest many millions it does not have in needed infrastructure with no way of recouping them given their current profit level.

2. By selling its utilities, Fairhope will eliminate related positions and generate one-time monies that will allow it to pay off mounting debts (currently tagged at $35 million).

As a result of selling the water, sewerage and electrical plants, the city will become leaner, reduce its indebtedness and will do so while avoiding a burdensome sales tax that would irrevocably alter the city’s unique history of smaller government.

Also, this issue should be placed before a vote of the people. For a directional change in government of this magnitude, a referendum is in order.

Fairhope