The Gadfly is a series of letters offering commentary on local issues and published in the Warrensburg Gazette.

Dear Editor

I wonder - what criteria do the County Commissioners use when they decide to reopen a long-closed but never "abandoned" road? They don't reopen roads that serve a single agricultural property, do they?

Last week, the big news was that the Sheriff's Department is running over budget. While I read that assorted unexpected contingencies caused the overrun, isn't it normal to expect contingencies in that kind of operation? And to plan for the contingencies in the budget? The Sheriff suggested that he discuss the budget with the commission quarterly; since the law enforcement budget has been a long-term concern, starting meetings at this point doesn't seem very "proactive."

Downtown Warrensburg, from North to South street and Maguire to Washington is officially a "blighted" area. I hear people asking if someone developing or renovating property in this area is entitled to tax breaks or special treatment. I think they're curious about those new apartments that are planned for the area between Commercial and the tracks. Speaking of the "blighted" area, apparently they want to start "de-blighting" with the block between West Pine & Culton. They're going to replace gas & sewer lines, replace sidewalks, add street furniture and put in pedestrian "bumpouts." "Aunt Ida" says she's not sure what pedestrian "bumpouts" are, but they sound like something she'd feel safer staying well away from.

The folks who started the new Parks Foundation have the right idea. Money for frills and beautification should come from voluntary donors, not extracted via taxes from non-residents who don't even realize that the "palace" (Community Center) exists.

The City's Convention & Tourism Advisory Board is scheduled to meet Thursday, October 14th. I'm sure they'd welcome public scrutiny of their supervision of the expenditure of tax money. The time & location aren't available as I write this; I called City Hall to find out and was told that it's GWACC&VC (Warrensburg Chamber) related and hasn't normally been posted at City Hall. Since the Board was appointed by the Mayor and deals with public money, it seems to me that the City & GWACC&VC are required to comply with Missouri's Sunshine Law.