Former mayor Rosemarie Ives’ letter (Aug. 21) regarding the levies and financial affairs of the city are mendacious and almost beneath comment — almost.

The city didn’t try to scare Redmond voters as Ives charges. The city asked if the community would pay extra taxes for upgraded services. No assertion was made that service would be reduced, so the question was, “maintain the status quo or pay for something better?” Hardly scare tactics, it was an admirable exercise in democracy.

Ives’ letter charging the current administration with fiscal irresponsibility is hypocritical. She proposed an unsustainable 2006 budget with expenses growing faster than revenues and she refused to provide the budget ordinance requested by City Council.

Under the current administration, Redmond has the highest bond rating possible reducing borrowing costs and allowing greater flexibility. In contrast to the Ives regime, the current mayor and council have democratized the city’s operations.

Ives’ canards about downtown development add nothing meaningful to the conversation. The current development has brought new businesses, restaurants, shops and jobs. It has positioned the city for developing demographic trends adding vibrancy. Redmond is no longer the “Deadmond” it was during Ives’ time in office.

We are fortunate to live in Redmond, a city where people actually want to live, where business sees opportunity and the quality of life is high. Fortune doesn’t fall from the sky, it favors the prepared. Under Redmond’s current administration, we are prepared to take advantage of fortune when she shows her face. After 16 years of Ives’ mismanagement, fiscal irresponsibility and lachrymose response to any opposition, the current administration has returned good government to a growing community full of people pursuing their dreams.

Dennis Gibb

Redmond