It never ceases to amaze me how people are so upset about government spending and yet don’t seem to bat an eye about business spending that you pay for when you buy products or services. Corporate jets, lavish offices, company outings to Hawaii and generous travel and expense accounts. Governments constantly lose their best people to the private sector because the money is so much better. I’m sure I’m in the minority, but I think our local, state and federal workers and legislators do a fine job under tough conditions. It’s my opinion that our spiraling costs are due to our mandates to government! More services (911, etc.), more safety mandates and handicap access (costing Bend hundreds of thousands here alone) just to mention a few. These are all fine things, but you have to pay for them once you get them. In the end, it’s we who are deciding to spend the money!

Pete Knaupp

La Pine