The good news of progress in the city continues. The 2012 budget looks likely to begin with a $6 million cash balance, including a $1 million surplus, compared to $0 two years ago. Staff has been reduced by nearly a third.

Thanks to an upgrade by Moody’s the city was able to issue a $6 million bond to pay off the Sewer Treatment Plant at only 3.44 percent interest – the lowest rate ever. Working together, the council and city staff obtained $1.1 million for reconstruction of Rockaway Beach Road. Even the end of the Winslow Way project is in sight. An impressive record of accomplishments.

Important work lies ahead. The Shoreline Management Plan will have to be finished next year. Additional funds must be found for urgent, important non-motorized transportation safety work on North Madison Avenue and elsewhere on the Core 40.

The Strategic Planning process the council and city manager have begun to establish budget and staff priorities must be completed. And, inevitably, something else will come up that the city will  have to deal with.

Now more than ever it is essential for us to have council members with vision, solid credentials and capabilities – and knowledge and experience in city government.

Next month we will have the opportunity to re-elect Barry Peters, the one candidate who has all those qualities and who played an important role in the council’s achievements so far.

Barry is the only candidate with valuable council experience during the wrenching times of budget, staff and program cuts since the economy collapsed in 2008. He thoroughly understands the painful but essential trade-offs between competing demands when money is tight, and the need to prioritize programs and spending levels to make the most of whatever funds become available.

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

Let’s stick with this tried and true performer.

Chris Snow

Fort Ward Hill