By Roy S. Ryniker

"Though the people may acquiesce, they cannot approve what they do not understand." Thomas Jefferson.

This issue contains the first edition of a new monthly column which will profile budget developments of the Inc. Village of Garden City. The column's objective is for Village residents to become better informed about the Village's operations and its budgetary practices. Through this increased understanding of the financial ramifications of Village's operations, then hopefully residents will be empowered to have increased input and influence over decisions that directly impact them as taxpayers and as the recipients of services provided by the approximate 317 full-time Village staff that they employ. Effective government demands that citizens are informed and focus on results.