Peters will help our city achieve its goals | Letters | Aug. 12

Standard & Poor’s recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+ because of concerns about the federal budget deficit and rising debt burden is bad news.

The day before, our city’s mid-year Financial report showed that revenues are now significantly greater than operating expenses and that the city’s 2011 budget is balanced and on track towards a $5 million end-of-year surplus. Moody’s took the city off credit watch. Good news.

Kudos to our city's council, administration and staff for a remarkable accomplishment. Now we can get on with addressing the urgent challenges we face in a considered, cost effective and sustainable way.

On Aug. 16, island voters have the opportunity to vote to re-elect Barry Peters, one of the council members who has played a key role in this achievement.

Barry is the only candidate with the valuable experience of serving on the council during the wrenching times of budget, staff and program cuts since the economy collapsed in 2008. He understands the trade-offs that have to be made between competing priorities in tight money times, and the need to prioritize programs and spending levels to make the most of whatever funds are available.

He is absolutely committed to professionalizing and streamlining staff and processes to reduce overhead, and is determined to support the administration’s efforts to improve its response to community needs, desires and concerns. And Barry has consistently shown his ability to work constructively with his council colleagues to achieve positive results for our community.

We will do well to stick with this tried and true performer in the primary election and in the general election in November. Please join me in voting for Barry Peters.

Chris Snow

Bainbridge Island

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