As the election for Black Diamond’s mayor quickly approaches I have some noticeable concerns as I review the candidates. I think we can all agree that this city is at a very critical point in its evolution. Growth and development are here and they are not leaving and our city is on the verge of financial collapse. So the obvious question would be why would we trust such an important time and process to candidates who have never held a publicly elected position?

Two of these candidates want to be mayor but have no political experience or deep understanding of how our city government works. One has never attended a city council meeting until just a couple of weeks ago. I don’t want a mayor who is learning the job on the fly under extreme pressure and in the position of being unknowingly manipulated or taken advantage of by City Council or political groups. While I applaud their passion and interest I think it would be better served in a position of City Council where they can learn the process as a team member rather than a stand alone position with such great responsibility.

I want someone who will treat it as a full time job with the dedication it deserves. I want a mayor who works normal business hours and is accessible. Two of these candidates have jobs, one full time and one part time.

Do they plan on quitting if elected so they can properly address the city’s issues or are they going to treat the position as a part time obligation outside of work?

Furthermore, what happens if these inexperienced individuals decide to quit midterm because they feel they are in over their heads or it requires more time than they can give? I am not about to let this City Council appoint a replacement like they have for two of their own positions, something that has chafed many citizens as we got no input to their appointments.

I want someone who understands accounting practices and municipal budgets. Each candidate says that public safety is high on their list of priorities but only one understands how the budget actually works. It took many of our newest council members a while to understand you just can’t cut this and slash that and move funds around to create a budget and cover shortfalls. Black Diamond’s (budget) is complicated because three quarters of the city staff is funded by YarrowBay through an agreement for the purpose of continuity during the process. There are state accounting practices that must be met and the general fund is the only controllable fund. The police department makes up the largest portion of it and is usually the most visual casualty of cuts in the form of officer layoffs. There are things like cuts in maintenance and services. How do we increase the general fund? Raise your taxes or find new revenue streams.

Controlled growth will bring this along with a solid police and fire budget. Without it this city will die. Simply promoting business development has proven ineffective and won’t work as businesses won’t survive without a growing population base to support it.

There is only one candidate experienced and qualified for the position. Mayor Rebecca Olness is the only one capable of continuing to work with YarrowBay, to see they follow every detail of the agreement they signed which includes many checks and balances and assessment points along the way to protect the city and its citizens.

This is an agreement she helped draft as both a City Council member and Mayor. This is where her experience shines. We need to maintain this continuity for the proper execution of the agreement and for a solid economic future

Jason Brealey

Black Diamond