To the editor:

City hall has been on a spending binge for the past year, bringing back programs cut during the recession and funding new goodies and consultants.

The city’s request that Bainbridge residents pay $15 million for a police/court facility after rejecting a fiscally prudent plan to share costs with the fire department is a recent, and frustrating, example — as is the city manager’s “full speed ahead” approach to buying land polluted with toxic chemicals. We need someone on city council with the courage to vote “no” on poorly thought out plans, and the inclination to ask tough questions before spending public money.

Please join me in supporting Ron Peltier, who has stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility during his campaign, and the importance of keeping our city affordable for a diverse group of residents.

Ron is the only candidate I’ve heard talking about how to do more with less, and he is the only candidate I’ve seen with a willingness to question city government decisions that he doesn’t agree with.

I appreciate his thoughtfulness and independence, and think he’ll be a valuable voice on city council.

KIM HENDRICKSON

Bainbridge Island