Dear Bothell City Councilmembers:

I have no problem with self improvement. What I have a problem with is self improvement being funded by the taxpayers of Bothell. He who is getting improved should fund the improvement. He is paid amply for the job he does and, frankly, can afford it.

The advanced educational opportunity is primarily for the sole benefit of the current city manager. It will be a resume-builder for his (possible) next city of employment. There will be only marginal benefit to the citizens of Bothell. None of the other city managers made such a request in almost 40 years. As a retail taxpayer, I raise my objection on principle.

Now we come to the cost factor. The city just went through an election cycle where the majority of you stated you were fiscal conservatives, which implies that you are watchdogs of the city’s public purse. How is the approval for the sole benefit of one person, at a cost of approximately $2 for every man, woman and child in the city, watching public purse? To me, it is a totally unwarranted gift of public funds, pure and simple.

Five of you need to explain by what twisted logic the taxpayers of the city should pay for the master’s degree of this or any future city managers? Or one of you should make a motion for reconsideration, do the right thing and hopefully correct this situation at your earliest opportunity.

Paul O. Cowles, former Bothell mayor

Woodinville