Our choices speak volumes

To the editor:

Whenever we are confronted with information that doesn’t make sense or on first glance looks bad, what do we do? This choice reveals a great deal about how we make plans and solve problems.

Me, I try to step back from assumptions and ask questions. I try to find out the nuance and detail. Sometimes I find that my initial assumption is wrong when I take the time to do this. It’s called “doing your homework.”

Palmer had a change in its general funds revenue trend in 2009. The revenue was flat, instead increasing, like it did in prior years. Why? Will it continue? Has there been a correction in 2010? How has the city responded? Is there cause for alarm?

Andrew Evans, a campaign volunteer for Delena Johnson, has been painting a dire picture picture of the finances in the city of Palmer based on the 2009 revenue. It may or may not be as bleak as he portrays, but he doesn’t explore the details.

The assumption, that city finances are bad, is good for his candidate, so why would he care to ask the probing questions.

Good decision-making and good governing are based on having sound and current data, rather than assumptions. I am afraid Mr. Evans and his candidate don’t give me confidence in their decision making.

Lee Henrikson

Palmer