Citizens need to have a say in how their tax dollars will be spent. So far City of Salem officials haven't done nearly enough to involve citizens in deciding where a new Police Facility should be located, and what should be done to make the Civic Center earthquake-safe, more attractive, and efficient. 

Instead of spending $70 million or more, it appears that key project goals -- building a new Police Facility, sesimic-retrofitting the Civic Center, and renovating part of City Hall -- can be done for about $40 million. The possibility of saving tens of millions needs to be looked into by City leaders, with broad community involvement.

For more information, check out the Salem Community Vision Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-Community-Vision/1463525883872668

Here's some facts for your consideration:

-- Local experts who have taken an independent look at the City's $70.5 million pricetag for a new Civic Center Police Facility and seismic retrofitting of City Hall say that it is possible to do this for $37.5 million. 

-- Eugene built a similarly-sized Police Facility for $17 million by remodeling an existing building with surface parking. Instead, the latest City of Salem cost estimate budgets $43 million for a brand new Civic Center Police Facility with expensive underground parking.

-- The City wants to convert Mirror Pond into a "drainage swale" in order to fit the Police Facility onto the Civic Center site. The Peace Plaza also would be markedly changed so a new Council Chambers can be constructed.

-- Remodeling the current Council Chambers is a much better idea. As is preserving the Civic Center open and green spaces. 

-- City of Salem staff haven't adequately involved Salem citizens in planning and site selection for a new Police Facility. Serious consideration of alternative community sites that could provide a more secure perimeter and a better emergency vehicle distribution point at a much lower cost needs to happen. Taxpayers must have a say in how their money will be spent by the City.

-- Somehow the City's $70.5 million budget didn't include seismic retrofitting of the Salem Library, just City Hall. Library staff and patrons deserve to be protected in an earthquake just as much as workers and visitors in City Hall do.