CITIZEN AWARENESS ALERT - 11/7/2009

November 17, 2009

Observations and Comments about the Nov. 3rd General Election

With a population of over 7600 residents, DuPont has only 3585 registered voters. As of this date only 1560 ballots were casted.

Why such a low voter turn-out?

1. Not all DuPont registered voters are currently residing within the city boundaries. I personally visited over 95% of the addresses given for our local voters and a large percentage of the homes were either vacant or the registered voter no longer lives there. Changes just have not been recorded.

2. Many registered voters, who actually live here, did not participate.

Why the voter apathy?
a. Lack of interest and/or other priorities took precedence.
b. Absentee ballots were lost, misplaced or forgotten.
c. An attitude that their vote would not make a difference
d. Some position had only one candidate so why bother.
e. Lack of information about election issues and candidates.

So, what does this really mean about our election results?

The voting choices of a minority of our DuPont citizens can determine city policy and in some cases even school district election results. This basic core of engaged registered voters are making decisions and establishing directions for all of DuPont.

Recognizing this reality, I would like to recommend several suggestions.

1. Encourage multiple candidates for each office.
2. Participate in conversations on issues, goals, values, etc
3. Support efforts to publicize the importance of the election and possible outcomes.
4. Congratulate all the candidates and sponsors of issues in providing us with choices and alternatives.
5. Financially support candidates and issues which are compatible with your beliefs, values, and perspectives.

CITIZEN AWARENESS ALERT - 11/23

NOVEMBER 23, 2009


“IT’S CITY BUDGET TIME”

Your City Council and Administrative Staff are in the final stages of developing the 2010 budget which must be adopted by the end of the year. As part of this process City Council decided to ask citizens to participate in a DuPont Budget Priorities Survey. The results are posted on the home page of the city’s website, www.ci.dupont.wa.us under Budget Priorities. The first report is from a telephone calling process and the second from respondents using on-line computers. In my opinion, the following two conclusions have the greatest influence on the 2010 budget decisions.

1. If need be, decrease services/programs/facilities and keep taxes the same.
2. The most important tax spending priorities over the next two years are:
A. Public Safety (fire, emergency medical services and police)
B. Economic Vitality and Financial Stability

The citizens have spoken and provided some extremely important data and information. If you get the opportunity to read the individual comments made on the on-line survey, you will find it very interesting reading. Some of your Councilmembers view this information as a “tool” in making budget decisions. I view these conclusions as “mandates for action.”

So how are your tax dollars going to be spent? We all know that the City government must operate upon available funds, but who gets what? Every year it is the same process, however, this year it is more stressful since dollars are very, very limited. For your information property tax revenues are in the General Operating Fund and the projected expenditures are “generalized” for each department. In order to know what detailed services you are paying for within each department, you must review the line-item budget proposed by the Administration. I invite you to review the 2010 Mayor’s Proposed Budget available on the Home Page of the city’s website.

A very important document to assist citizens in understanding the city’s budget allocations is the 2010 Position & Salary Summary and Contracted Positions available upon request.

SUMMARY: Over the next several weeks your elected councilmembers will have to make very serious budget decisions. Differences do exist among the members. Your input is extremely important because it is your money being spent. Should you desire to communicate with your decision makers, please do so by voicing your concerns at various meetings, by phone contact, email messages, personal conversation, regular mail ---whatever. We do live in a representative democracy and your elected body will make the choices.

Roger Westman
DuPont City Council, Position No. 1

No. 1 friend of the DuPont taxpayer.

GREETINGS...to all my loyal supporters

The 2009 fall election campaigns have started with announcements, publications, e-mails and a whole lot more.

Here in DuPont the November council elections will have a significant impact upon the future of the city. Very distinct differences do exist between candidates. As the campaign rhetoric continues over the next four months, candidate differences will emerge. One fact remains about my candidacy.

"I am the No. 1 friend of the DuPont taxpayer."

While others favored and encouraged property tax increases, I publicly voted and spoke-out against them. Those taxes would have cost you hundreds of dollars. My opponent recently served on a committee to increase your taxes. Our current economic environment requires research and creativity in providing appropriate services that are within the limits set by our adopted budget.

I am asking you and others to continue supporting my efforts on basic issues facing our city. Your vote will make the difference in November. More discussion on basic issues and community values will be forthcoming.

If you wish to make a campaign donation to help pay costs, please forward to:

Friends to Elect Roger Westman
2249 Palisade Blvd
DuPont, WA 98327

Web site: http://www.dupontvoices.blogspot.com/
E-Mail: rswestman@msn.com

"WORKING FOR DuPONT FAMILIES"