Next Tuesday

Council will discuss a policy for giving away money  collected in taxes to provide town services to whatever scam artists presents at the podium and demand we share,  as if they were the spoils
of  piracy.

We already have a grants policyin place.  But this is different.

The last demand was for the town to purchase a "platinum sponsorship"   Staff  recommended providing $2,000. plus a waiver of almost a thousand in user fees.

But that wasn't enough. Bold as brass and twice as brazen the demand came back at  $5,000.

Most Councillors found it difficult to say no. So they didn't. They covered the awkwardness by declaring lack of a policy creates  the  problem.

A resolution was passed directing staff to provide such a policy to provide cover in such a future event..

The question on Tuesday, will not be whether we hand out tax dollars for questionable purpose to whoever has the gall to put in their pitch..

The issue will be how to make it easier without attracting adverse public attention by having a debateand being obliged to provide justification for giving away public resources. . 

Will staff be given authority to decide?

Or will we do it with openness and transparency and risk universal criticism in return for limited approbation?

Will we skulk around with bellies close to the ground and tails tucked tightly between our legs and give the store away?

Or will we square our shoulders and do what we were elected to do; spend tax money wisely and only for the purpose intended?

Tuesday should separate the men from the boys.