Let 'em vote

The city is being asked to spend big money on a highly controversial investment. The least City Council can do is let the residents vote on the proposal.

If that's not reason enough, consider this: the money being eyeballed will come out of the utility reserve fund. Our own City Charter says that fund is for utility-related uses only. Period. Here are excerpts from the relevant section:

Article XIII. Fiscal Administration
Sec. 1320 Utilities fund.

Expenditures from such fund shall be made for the following purposes only ...
(a) For the payment of operating expenses ...
(b) For repairs and maintenance;
(c) For the payment of interest ...
(d) For the payment ... to the City ... for services rendered;
(e) For extensions and improvements;
(f) For ... the replacement of utilities property ...

No mention of a stadium.

In case this turns into one of those "Which part of NO do you not understand?" situations, a formal request has been made to City Council to place the final stadium proposal on the February 2008 ballot. Here is a copy of the letter:

This request is on the agenda for the City Council meeting scheduled for 7PM May 15, 2007. Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend and address our elected representatives. Speakers are allowed 3 minutes each.