Brenda Baer, Ward 4

To the editor,

We are living in very vicarious times. The cost of living is really soaring, and incomes are not. A recent article in the paper quoted government officials as saying home heating oil is up 47 precent from a year ago, and predicted that the cost of oil could reach $4.00 a gallon during the peak of winter. Don't tell me that everyone isn't acutely aware of the impact this will have on all of us.

My opponent and his colleagues would have you believe I and other candidates don't care and will spend, spend, spend, and that they are the only ones looking out for you. Everyone running knows and understands the situation and all are looking for ways to solve the problems we face. It is not, however, the time to cut everything, but we must sacrifice to have the things necessary to have what is needed for safety and to keep our standards high.

Recently an article appeared regarding our emergency capabilities. It reminded me that a couple of years ago when I had undergone knee replacements and was housebound in the middle of winter, and we had some severe storms. I wondered what elderly people would do in that situation or for that matter anyone if power went out or they did not have heat. I didn't know where they could go or how they would get there. Now, I have just learned through this recent article that our schools are the designated areas for emergencies, but the schools have no generators. Shades of Katrina.

We also have had terrific heat waves the past two years and many people are without air conditioning, or there could be a loss of power due to the heat. Now, this past weekend, we all see what an unexpected rain storm dumping up to 12" in some areas and 10" here can do to our homes and roads. At Tuesday night's council meeting, Chief Erickson made a presentation about hazards and disasters and our preparedness. It was excellent and gratifying to know we have good plans in place, but lack money for some things, especially generators. Public awareness is another issue the city is trying to accomplish. All these things require lots of money.

We are going to have to face this challenge and also the results of higher heating fuel charges, and gasoline. They are going to make keeping a budget within a restricted tax gap more than difficult. We need responsible people on the council who will make the right choices for our safety and not be hampered by a cap that will restrict them. Think about it.

The large influx of people coming and those already here means they found us to be a most desirable location to settle and live. If we do not provide services needed, we will lose this influx and the ensuing tax base increase.

The impact of this sudden growth in Laconia is also a subject to really think about as it relates to services and infrastructure demands. There will be other problems to consider in the next two years. We must not be focusing on one issue when it comes to electing someone to the council. We must elect someone who will best represent all the people on all the issues.

One candidate running from Ward 3 is the financial CEO of the Lakes Region Hospital. A year ago, the hospital was operating in the red, and now due to strategic budget cuts and creative ways of increasing revenue, the hospital is now in the black. His expertise will be an asset to the council, but he and others will need the backing and cooperation of other council members. We have seen what the present council is like and we need new council members across the board to replace them. We need people who will listen, study, and come together for the good of the City.

Brenda Baer, Ward 4

Candidate for City Council