Editorial

It’s not a “bash,’ it’s a luncheon.

It’s less than 10 bucks a person.

It will benefit local charities.

It will boost morale in City Hall.

It’s still a party, and it’s going to cost $10,000 in public money.

The intentions may be honorable, but the City Council’s decision to spend

that much money on a holiday party -- whether it’s a pot-luck lunch or

formal dinner or costume ball -- is wrong.

We learned about the party last week. The Independent published a story.

And the day it ran, the calls came streaming in -- most of them critical

of the expense.

“I am appalled at the indulgence of the City Council members,” one caller

said.

“I hear how we don’t have money for sewer lines or parks, so a party

isn’t necessary,” said another caller.

One caller countered, saying, “The donations collected for charity are

expected to exceed the amount of money being spent on the celebration....

Congratulations to the city for finding a way to thank its employees and

help the less-fortunate members of our community. Keep up the good work.”

We agree our city employees deserve recognition and thanks for all their

hard work. They do a wonderful job keeping our streets safe, our

neighborhoods clean, and the city’s finances in check. We’re just not

sure a $10,000 luncheon is the most cost-efficient way to say thank you

-- especially when the city is strapped for cash. Just think about that

$1.3 billion in infrastructure improvements -- a bill that may very well

be covered by a new tax.

It may be just a drop in the bucket -- $10,000 isn’t going to contribute

much to such a looming, monumental cost.

But it’s the principle of the matter. In a city with pressing cash needs,

spending five figures on a party is just bad symbolism.

Big corporations throw even bigger and more expensive parties all the

time. But that’s private enterprise -- a private company deciding what to

do with a portion of its own profits.

This is a public agency deciding how to spend the taxpayers’ money.

There’s a difference.

If the cost per person is so low, why not ask the employees to pay it?

Many private corporations do that as well.

At the Independent, where we take the bottom line just as seriously as

the city, we throw a party that doesn’t cost the company a dime. And

there’s no lack of good cheer and appreciation.

The City Council should rethink this decision.