Would paying higher taxes locally help solve the crumble of our city? Before you give a knee jerk reaction lets think about this and weigh out the options. Every day more and more young people are moving out of this area right along with businesses. The tax base is getting smaller but the cost is getting bigger. I read about our city budget and having to cut the police force, fire dept, and city maintenance crews all because of shortages. The next thing we will be asking them to ration their gas and ammunitions.? I too have children and consider everyday whether I want to send them to Butler High. I worry for their safety with all the shootings and robberies going on. I think we are quick to point the finger at our police dept and say they aren’t doing their job when they are understaffed and equipped. Our roads are in bad shape. What is next? Would raising the sales tax help out the situation? This way we are only being taxed on items we elect to purchase. I also think we have made it hard for our politicians to even bring this point up. Granted some of it justified but. If a politician even whispers higher taxes they would be run out of the state. When is it ok to raise taxes or even bring it up? I guess I’m looking for leadership here. How do we fix this? Can we get the options on the table, have a vote, and follow through? What is the alternative? Do nothing and rely on prayer that our kids don’t get hooked on drugs or shot by someone who is. Sorry to sound off but there has to be an answer.