Early last year, an editorial with a similar title ran in the Kennesaw Watch that triggered some reflection about our City of Kennesaw. While the article was spot on, I thought it was worth some embellishment, personalization and sharing in this Kennesaw Council election period.
People have heard the saying’ “You cannot fight City Hall,” it seems forever. However, City Hall is just a building filled with people just like you and I. Some are elected, others are appointed and others are hired. There are egos and there are employees who should not be there. Almost every private business in America, both large and small, has the same issues. So, what makes City Hall (all government entities) different? Unlike private businesses, the citizens (you and I), pay for everything that goes on (or off) in City Hall.
Each year at this time, a new budget that is presented to the citizens of Kennesaw. Most citizens never bother attending Council and Workshop meetings to gain an understanding of where the City’s revenues come from or how your tax dollars are being spent. Do you know that less than 40% of Kennesaw’s revenue is derived from your annual tax bill? Do you know where the rest of the income is derived from? That is like giving your money to a bookkeeper and never checking to see what is done with the funds or whether your bills are even being paid.
While a large amount of our tax dollars are managed by various City departments, a large sum is spent directly by our elected officials who do not provide the same level of detail about their spending (directly and indirectly) that is required by the City departments. As taxpayers, like with your bookkeeper, you should keep an eye on City spending and follow up.
Citizens expect their tax dollars to pay for items such as; salaries, benefits, special clothing, technology, police equipment, street equipment, schooling, vehicles, maintenance and other usual and customary expenses associated with running a City. However, do you know your tax dollars also pay for defense in lawsuits and settlements against the City regardless of who is at fault? Your tax dollars also pay for land and building purchases, loans to City associations and foundations, and other assets (liabilities) that have no direct benefit to citizens.
There are numerous items summarized and voted upon at meetings. Some detail can be found in the 100+ pages of attachments to each council meeting agenda not to mention all of the initial work done by other City employees that are not part of the attachments. For this reason, it is extremely important that you not only have the right people in elected positions (Mayor and Council) but you know what those people are doing with your tax dollars.
Instead of asking, “Can one person make a difference?” you should be saying, "LET ONE PERSON MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” One person can begin to help others understand. One person can stand strong and be Your New Voice and Keep Kennesaw on TRACK. Soon, that one person becomes two, then 4, then 8, then 100s. Yes, one person CAN make a difference. Together, we can make a great City!
You can visit me on the web at:
http://www.electsebastian.com/
or, you can find my facebook campaign page below:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elect-Sebastian/206143929548728