As the present City of Bainbridge administration tries to balance the budget and keep necessary governmental functions viable, we all need to take a deep breath and reflect.

Question: Why are we in this situation? Extensive funding of past administrations to most requests presented by governmental entities and for non-governmental functions. That was fine, the good times were rolling. That has come to a screeching halt. Also, in most instances no one looked forward to creating reserve funds.

Solutions: Continue course of action. Fund needed governmental functions with expected revenues, at levels that are sustainable. Other entities must create their own income. If they can’t, they will not survive. That is a decision island residents will make outside the taxable structure. Future funding for all island projects are at risk if we continue on a path of fiscal insolvency.

I have visited the island for 22 years, a part-time resident for 14 years and full-timer for the past five-plus years, during which our real estate taxes have increased 25 percent.

I support our City Council’s actions for fiscal solvency regarding governmental responsibilities. I hope that others will follow.

Ted Blank

Bainbridge Island