We frequently criticize politicians for twisting words to gain support for a particular view or policy. Steve Brown is trying this with the use of the word “pilfer” in his opinion piece on the candidates in PTC.

This is a loaded word intended to convey the thought that use of the city reserves is inherently wrong.

I argued before the City Council during public hearings on the budget that the city reserves were too high, over $4 million above the 20 percent suggested (note, that is suggested, not required) by the city’s operating rules.

The majority of the council agreed and voted to use $450,000 (2 percentage points) of the bloated reserve to balance the 2010 budget.

I believe this was a reasonable move in this economy. Steve Brown appears to agree with Don Haddix and Beth Pullias (who also addressed the council on this issue) that we should have raised property taxes to maintain spending levels and to give city employees a pay raise.

Using the excess city reserves is not pilfering. It is a prudent use of funds built up over many years of over-taxation and fee collection by the city government.

If you would not use the reserves now, when would you?

Robert Brown

Peachtree City, Ga.