HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-26 Correspondence//
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University of Iowa Student Government
City Council Liaison Report -May 2009-2010
1. City of Iowa City abandoning `pay as you go' policy and becoming more dependent
on debt accumulation
Becoming burdened with debt and becoming reliant on borrowing to fund ordinary projects has
many harmful effects for a municipality, foremost is the cost of interest. Interest is a very
avoidable cost that serves as a penalty for consuming what one cannot afford. Devoting tax payer
money to servicing interest and not providing for the needs of citizens is a tremendous waste.
Burdensome debt can be minimized by savings. A healthy savings rate and capital accumulation
is the driving force for all economic growth. In just a few short years of savings and running
budget surpluses, the long term benefits of advancing economic growth can be seen. When going
ahead with major projects, exercising caution in favor of constraint and frugality is especially
beneficial when facing an uncertain financial environment.
2. Adopting sensible alcohol and drug policies
The myriad of unintended consequences resulting from an age specific prohibitive alcohol policy
are admitted by many health professionals. Lynn Walding, former administrator of the Iowa
Alcoholic Beverages Division, addressed the Partnership for Alcohol Safety last December at
length regarding the regrettable circumstances caused by a 21 year policy focus.
While binge drinking is a tremendous cultural blight on society, government and police actions
should focus on promoting personal responsibility and safety rather than criminal punishment.
For instance, Iowa City should follow the UI administration's lead in granting medical
emergencies criminal immunity. PAULA enforcement should focus on the drunken and
disorderly, while fines could be regimented to reflect the intensity of underage consumption.
Last week 18 armed officers served multiple search warrants and arrested at least a dozen
individuals on charges pertaining to marijuana possession and distribution. A tremendous
amount of resources have been used to confiscate and battle the preeminence of a naturally
occurring plant in society. In the wake of such imposing police action, the usefulness of iron-
fisted police actions in social and personal health matters should be reexamined. Not only are
drug raids expensive, but they have the opposite effect by making drug trafficking more
profitable and undermine government credibility by creating sympathies for the `criminals.'