Attention, Norma Elvine.

I read your letter in March 19, issue of the Staples World newspaper about the questions you have regarding funding for all the new city projects. I share our sentiments and to answer your question; (Does Staples really have enough money to build a new city hall?) No. Because a city, state, federal or any type of government never has money for anything. That is why governments get money from people like you and me.

So the question you should be asking is do "we" have the money for a new city hall. People in general love to spend money. And when they get themselves into a position to spend other people's money it's even better.

For example, I was recently invited (probably by mistake) to attend a school appropriations meeting. The school has a tight budget (and getting tighter) and of course needs to raise more revenue. But what I found interesting was that the overall purpose of the meeting was not only to figure out how to save and acquire more money, but how to spend more also. Some things do need immediate attention, some don't.

The point I tried to make at the meeting applies to all of us; money in itself does not fix or improve anything. If you build a new house for a dysfunctional family, the family will still be dysfunctional. As we all have seen the quality of education does not go up with spending. And I doubt the city government will improve with a new building.

Terry Minnick said in a letter last week, "I am having difficulty understanding how a burglar preparing to kick in my back door is going to be deterred by those wonderful antique globe police entrance lights". Well put, Terry. It is still the same police force in the new building.

To me this is much like the depot. How much money has been invested into the depot and how has it improved anything in the city? Nostalgia is an expensive luxury and so are appearances.

I am fully aware that repairs and improvements sometimes need to be made, but I advise caution. Spending other people's money is tempting, but you have to look at the situation remembering it is your money being spent also.
Daniel DeYonge
Staples, Minn.