Personally, I'm not a fan of intended or unintended red herrings. For me, a drive down Ringgold road and a glace upon the budget illustrates the well placed interest in the day-to-day operations of the city.
Specifically, acknowledging developments as a hot topic, I'm very interested in the soon-to-come meetings of the city, especially in regards to developments. The fiscal year for 2012 is going to be very interesting, as I imagine we will probably show a "surplus." But, I urge the citizens to pay closer attention to the following year and how financial matters appear as a matter of "long term" projections and trends.
Educated guess here, but I'm willing to speculate that the overall financial outlook for the city will be more easily understood after, what I'm speculating will be, a "surplus." 2012 is only one year; and while year's outlook is a statement, to not take into consideration spending freezes and long-term debt is simply remiss.
Let's be frank here, it's going to take more promising direction than one year showing a "surplus," making the following year questionable, band-aid tax increases, and red herring smoking issues that are regulated through the state and preexisting ordinance (minus clearly written fine enforcement, perhaps).
East Ridge is a great city to live in, and it's amazing the amount of potential this area has. Clearly, especially considering state incentives to bring in tourists that East Ridge can take advantage of by bringing in visitors to the state, East Ridge is in a unique position to capitalize upon its obvious potential. I'm hopeful, but I acknowledge the cold reality that only good policy, and leadership, will bring about the prosperity East Ridge surely deserves.
Robert Frye