Pinthouse Pizza
Real Accountability
RECEIVED Tue., Sept. 4, 2007
Dear Editor,
Budget Revelations: Is there real accountability? Real affordable housing? When core needs (i.e., affordable housing and health care) are effectively addressed, the entire community benefits exponentially from this investment. A committed investment in public services creates a regenerative cycle of sustainability for our community. This invariably enhances public safety, by reducing the probabilities for crises and desperation. Investing in public services is the investment that promotes a high return and also saves money in the long term.
Therefore, in response to Gray Panther Mr. Clint Smith’s question [“Postmarks,” Aug. 17] regarding Wells Dunbar’s “Budget Revelations” [“Beside the Point,” News, Aug. 3] and Austinites Lobbying for Municipal Accountability follow-up “Postmark” (“Insist on Accountability!,” Aug. 24), I too would like to know: “What's Happening With Housing Bond Funds?” How will these funds and the programs be managed and accounted for? And where’s the genuine responsiveness from our elected representatives regarding questions raised by its citizens and taxpayers? Referencing the question raised by ALMA: What good is a budget if the programs still lack accountability? City of Austin’s internal waste needs to be cleaned if we are to have any effectiveness with our tax dollars.
Budget Revelations: Is there real accountability? Real affordable housing? When core needs (i.e., affordable housing and health care) are effectively addressed, the entire community benefits exponentially from this investment. A committed investment in public services creates a regenerative cycle of sustainability for our community. This invariably enhances public safety, by reducing the probabilities for crises and desperation. Investing in public services is the investment that promotes a high return and also saves money in the long term.
Therefore, in response to Gray Panther Mr. Clint Smith’s question [“Postmarks,” Aug. 17] regarding Wells Dunbar’s “Budget Revelations” [“Beside the Point,” News, Aug. 3] and Austinites Lobbying for Municipal Accountability follow-up “Postmark” (“Insist on Accountability!,” Aug. 24), I too would like to know: “What's Happening With Housing Bond Funds?” How will these funds and the programs be managed and accounted for? And where’s the genuine responsiveness from our elected representatives regarding questions raised by its citizens and taxpayers? Referencing the question raised by ALMA: What good is a budget if the programs still lack accountability? City of Austin’s internal waste needs to be cleaned if we are to have any effectiveness with our tax dollars.
Cordially,
Virginia Pratt
Virginia Pratt