Letter: Larson Asserts Debt, Bus. 51 Concerns in Campaign
To the Editor-
First, I would like to thank everyone who signed my nomination papers.
You have probably read the various reasons candidates have given for running for Mayor of Stevens Point. I agree with many of these reasons, but if elected Mayor of Stevens Point, I will cooperate with the City Council to solve pressing issues. Issues I believe should be at the top of the list included the following.
- Stevens Point debt. In 2007 the City of Stevens Point was $13 million in debt; at the end of 2014 the City was $51 million in debt. It will take time but I will work on reducing this debt. Reducing the debt should allow the City more opportunities to enhance the life style of our community. Stevens Point is a great place to raise a family. Lowering the debt might allow the City to develop a youth center or other recreational options for our children.
- The City kicked Business 51 down the road, only postponing the problem. In 2024 this problem will come back only bigger. Currently estimates are $20-30 million to re-do Business 51 following Federal Mandates. By 2024 the costs could be $40-60 million. This problem needs to be fixed now. I will talk to our elected officials in Washington to get Business 51 taken off the Federal highway system. Now is a good time to do this. Our representatives hold key positions.
- Paul Ryan – 1st District-Chairmen of the most powerful committee in Congress, House Ways and Means
- Ron Kind – Our 3rd District Representative.
- Senator Ron Johnson – serves on Senate committee regarding Transportation, Commerce and Science
- Senator Tammy Baldwin – appointed to Senate Appropriations Committee
- Looking at the 2015 budget I have concerns about the size of overtime pay for Police and Fire Department. Are these in line with other cities our size?
- The 2015 budget included pay increases for upper management. Raises varied widely, from 13.9 percent, to as low as 7.4 percent. Social Security increase was 1.7 percent based on COLA. Here is one example that seems inequitable. The Police Chief received a 7.3% pay increase, while the Police Officers received a .06% increase. If the City is $51 million in debt. Why are we giving out the large pay increases?
I have additional concerns, that I will gladly share when I am not limited by number of words. The Primary Election for Mayor of Stevens Point will be held on February 17, 2015. Please take the time to vote, and please consider voting for me. Thank you.
Bob Larson, candidate for Mayor of Stevens Point.