To the Voters of Cascade Locks,

     Do not join in the destructive political coup that is now taking place in an attempt to undo the will of the voters in the election of last November. This coup is being led by a group of self centered elitists who believe they know better what is best for our town than you, the voters do. Their scare tactics, outright lies, and attempts to create chaos within our volunteer fire department clearly shows all of us that their desire for power borders on the psychotic. They care not what happens to our city in the process, their only concern is to get you to put them in charge. Take a close look at the leaders of this coup, especially the ones who, although less vocal, are far more ambitious and dangerous.

     This mayor and council were elected because the voters wanted to get our city on a path of fiscal responsibility and of obeying laws. They are doing that, but you can’t expect them to change, in a few months, all of the problems that have been created over many years of incompetent leadership. And remember, with the resignations of the administrator and planner prior to the new mayor and 3 council members being sworn into office, the city council came into power under chaotic circumstances. The new members were forced to immediately focus on finding replacements instead of having time to get up to speed on the upcoming budget process and other normal city issues.

    In spite of the disruption caused by resignations, a political coup, and obstructionism on the part of Council Member Lance Masters, this council has made significant improvements.

·         This Council Budgeted For Debt Repayment As Required By State Law.

The previous council passed on to the new council fire hall debts of $150,000, $125,000 and $464,000, with no provision for repaying the $464,000 loan even though state law required a plan for repaying the money within five years. The new council and the budget committee included in the 2011-2012 budget a repayment plan for all of the fire hall debt without raising taxes or fees.

·         This Council Retained New Legal Counsel To Protect Our Best Interests

Ex-City Administrator, Bernard Seeger, negotiated his resignation terms with the city attorney in private. An $18,000 severance payment and an immunity clause were part of that agreement, neither of which was required under Mr. Seeger's employment agreement. These two terms were definitely in the best interest of Mr. Seeger only and not in the best interest of our city. Yet the previous council and the city attorney agreed to these terms.

·         This Council Ended Emergency Services Deficit Spending

The previous council repeatedly allowed inter-fund transfers in order to cover the Emergency Services' continual deficit spending. They failed to curb this deficit spending in spite of repeated warnings from the city's auditor that it was illegal. The inter-fund transfers were never repaid, which meant that other city departments were operating with reduced budgets.

·         This Council Reduced City Costs

- They retained a local Hood River attorney at a lower rate and reduced travel costs.

- The new planner charges a higher hourly rate than Mr. Morgan, however the increased level of efficiency and competence will result in a lower total cost for planning. Consider that Mr. Morgan spent 3 years working on Columbia Cascade Housing Corporations' McCoy Meadows development proposal and never obtained approval. CCHC finally requested the removal of Mr. Morgan from the project. He was replaced with the new city planner and the project is now under construction.

-The Public Works superintendent's full time position has been replaced with a part time contractor, which saves the city the high cost of employee benefits and payroll taxes.

Our city needs this council and this council needs and deserves your support.

Please vote to retain our council and end the chaos.

Gary Munkhoff  9/5/11