Monday night’s City Council candidate forum was revealing, as my views of candidates changed and firmed up for whom I will vote.

The last answer made a difference when candidates were asked about how they would measure the needs of neighborhood residents and balance those needs with the needs of business. Some candidates were confused by the question and their answers were confusing.

Others said that the if businesses needs are met, then neighborhood citizens’ needs would be met.

Reminds me of Calvin Coolidge when he said the business of government is business, an attitude that would lead to the Great Depression.

Clearly, the candidates haven’t talked much with neighborhood residents to find out what problems they experience and the impact on their daily lives, such as parking, traffic, increased crime, absentee owners who don’t shovel walks and environmental damage.

The business of government is to ensure the welfare of all of its citizens, not just business. I also know I will not vote for this lodgers tax proposal because little is done for the average Durangoan other than money with transportation. When a lodgers tax proposal attends to the significant needs of our citizens, for example, affordable and workforce housing, more for transportation, day care, etc., I will vote for it.

The current proposal largely serves developers, real estate agents, tourism and some businesses. The economic effect of more tourists will not trickle down to those who need it most or those who must live with increased tourism.

Pete JohnsonDurango