The tip of an iceberg we'll be seeing a lot more of

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As the carburban development model becomes increasingly harder to duct-tape together, it's going to drive (ho ho!) lots more cuts like this. Cars are the elephant in the living room--the huge expense that no one ever talks about and that consume so much of our wealth that we feed them whole other programs.

To Whom it may Concern:

The City of Salem has to make cuts in funding, due to the bad economic times. They feel the neighborhood and community parks of Salem is the place to make most of the cut backs by laying off FOUR permanent park maintenance operators from an already skeleton crew of workers. We can barely keep our heads above water as it stands. Once these positions are eliminated, the parks will be severely undermanned for maintenance. Their intentions are to use inmates from state corrections and part time summer seasonal help. If the communities of Salem want to keep our parks safe, usable and in good appearance, we won't let this happen. We believe there are other options to find funding for our parks. In past years the city council has found a way to keep our parks department staffed just enough to keep our parks a place the people of Salem and visitors can use and feel safe in and be proud of. If you have concerns for our parks, please pass the word on to everyone you know and make your voice known. There is a city council meeting that the community is invited to on Wednesday, March 31st at 7:00pm. It is at the Wallace Rd Roths Grocery store in the conference room. If you can not make it, please e-mail your city counsel members with any questions and concerns. You may also email me for information or questions.

Thank You
Rick Rue
City of Salem Parks