John Burger’s views on Biomass
[sj] With public hearing on the Biomass proposal for leasing Jasper’s Power Plant now behind us, and the unlikeliness of another public hearing, I think it is important to respectfully request the city council to hold a city wide vote by residents who are registered to vote. I feel this is the fairest way and the right way to settle this issue allowing our citizens the right to exercise their vote and allowing them to participate in democracy.
I have the highest respect and regards for our current Mayor, the city council members, and the members of the utility service board, however when such a controversial issue such as this surfaces, I have always believed that every voice should be allowed to be heard.
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An elected board can handle 99% of business that must be conducted. An elected official should understand that allowing a public vote to happen does not signal any weakness on his part. I have advocated the right for our citizens to vote on this issue way before the primary this spring. This has been overwhelming confirmed in my door to door campaign this summer.
On a personal note, I have serious concerns about Mr. Catasein. This is based on inconsistencies in a presentation he made to me and others in mid-May.
The residents of Jasper need the right to weigh the financial benefits this project offers versus potential damage to the enviable quality of life we enjoy here.
I urge every citizen of Jasper to contact the members of our city council and demand having a city wide vote. It can be held easily, cost very little, and give our citizens the right to have their voices heard. I can tell you that when I am elected Mayor, I will listen to the people. I will walk the neighborhoods of Jasper from time to time to hear its citizens concerns.[sj]
You could hold a professional survey and get the same results within 3%, have information now, and anyone could pay for it. I have not seen the same demand for a vote from my door to door in District 4, though most people have an opinion.
What I meant to say…
Anyone could hold a professional survey and get the same results within 3%, have information now, and anyone could pay for it. If any group wanted to, they could fund their own survey asking a straight forward question with a "yes, no, leaning yes, leaning no" answer. (I didn't mean to direct this at you John. My bad.)
Personally, I have not seen the same demand for a vote from my door to door in District 4, though most people have an opinion.
Does this mean that if you are elected to Mayor of Jasper that every time a controversial item comes up that needs attention we are going to have to have a vote by the people? I thought that is the reason we have elections and the mayor would decide these without having to have get the public to vote. I feel that the mayor & his staff have done all the research that needs to be done to make the correct decision so why not let them make the decision they feel is best. If the mayor doesn’t want the make the difficult decisions, get someone who does.
Sylvia, you "get it". The Left preys on those who don't.
Accountability is apparently a virtue these days. It should be a law.
Come on John . Didnt you vote for our current time change!Its the same old crap your party puts out every time you guys talk. You were fired once why try for a second time ? Get real go feed your turkeys !