Here we go again! Scare tactics galore by Lewiston’s city administration. Why is it that whenever things don’t go their way, they have to resort to unprofessional and petty actions?

They may fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all the time. I bet most of us have heard that phrase many times before, but never has it been so appropriate.

The budget was passed months before the “rain fee” was approved by the council in September. I guess it wouldn’t have made much of a difference if the council chambers had been overflowing with citizens objecting to this new fee, because it was already a done deal. Decisions seem to be made outside council chambers and without citizen input more and more frequently.

Since this “rain fee” is only intended to fund maintenance of the city’s system of canals, culverts and storm drains, then it shouldn’t affect the running of either the schools or most city departments. No cuts should be necessary, no lay-offs, no eliminated programs. Projects to be completed through this “rain fee” could be postponed until the issue is resolved or a new budget is developed for next fiscal year.

I encourage everyone to go to City Hall and sign the petition. It doesn’t matter whether you are for the “rain fee” or not. Signing the petition only indicates your desire to allow the citizens of Lewiston to vote on this issue.

Jacqueline P. Smith, Lewiston