Letter To The Editor: Oskaloosa deserves to have leadership with a “WE” mentality.

Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.

Is it “Us vs. They” or really “We”

There is a choice in the city council seat in Ward 4. That choice centers on Steve Burnett’s vision of a community built on a consensus mentality of “WE”. Steve has a long history of consensus building to achieve great results. Jason VanZetten, the other Ward 4 candidate, continually talks about the undefined “they” referring to government and “us” the people as we are at odds with one another, rather than providing productive collaborative solutions. Please, let me give you some examples.

Jason stated 28E agreements are designed so “they” (the government) can keep us from voting. Iowa code cites that 28E agreements are designed to allow two entities to share resources eventually resulting in a cost savings. I believe “WE” voted for our representatives to find ways to work collaboratively with other governmental entities. If our representatives don’t make wise decisions with the use of these cross-agency agreements, “WE” can fire them at the next election.

Jason has been combative toward those working on the widely supported Blue Zones initiative, including his own constituents who he claims to represent. He believes that this community project is going to “take your salt away and dictates what you can and cannot eat.” I still have salt on my table and found it at both Taso’s and HyVee this past weekend. Blue Zones provides the community with information that allows the people to make more informed decisions. I believe “knowledge is power” and I prefer to have all the information/knowledge available to make informed decisions. Our children and grandchildren deserve the knowledge to help them be powerful.

Jason wants to see the franchise fee eliminated. Last year $420,000 was generated from those fees and used for, among other things, to repair city streets and other infrastructure. The funds were used just as they should have been given the purpose of the law for those fees. I’m not a fan of more fees or taxes, but I also think we have an obligation to maintain our city facilities and services, rather than “kick the can down the road.” The future of Oskaloosa, our children and grandchildren, deserve better than a poor infrastructure.

Jason estimated there are 6 bandstand performances at a total annual cost to the city of $30,000. He suggested that all but 2 be replaced with something such as a “DJ” to realize a cost savings. The actual numbers are 11 performances which cost $1500 each for a total cost of $16,500. I strongly support the efforts of the chamber of commerce to continue its path to increasing the number of performances from our community band. Concerts in the park are the types of activities that make our community the type of place people will visit and call home.

Jason continues to discuss his desire for a “comprehensive plan”. This would be a good idea, but my question to Jason is, “How long does it take you to build consensus for a plan and then develop one? You have been in office for 4 years.” In those four years, Jason has not once brought a proposal forward on how to fund and develop such a plan. In contrast, I have been chairing the Housing Task Force within the Mahaska Community Development Group and we have a thorough 16-point Housing Action Plan that can be viewed here: http://www.oacdg.org/files/housing_task_force.pdf

It took us 6 months to develop this plan. When “WE” work together great things can happen. On this committee we have business, private citizens and yes even government involved! Our children and grandchildren deserve that we leave them the strongest Oskaloosa possible and this will only come when “WE” all work together.

Jason stated “I will not vote for your tax dollars being used for economic development.” I disagree. Instead, I share the view of the outside public finance expert when she recommended to the city council that the one thing she would recommend is for the city to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars to spur development. TIF dollars are traditionally used to help cities compete with other communities for those businesses that are looking to expand or locate to our community. The future of Oskaloosa depends on our current leaders utilizing all the tools available to them to compete.

The strength of great organizations comes from the leadership being able to develop a vision and then work with those involved to build a team willing to work towards a common goal. Oskaloosa’s team is the city council, the city manager, city staff, partner organizations in the community, and engaged citizens. My opponent continues to state the “us against they” mentality. My view is that the only way for Oskaloosa to truly achieve our highest potential is that “WE” all work together.

Steve Burnett