George Kramer: Three members of the Ashland City Council voted against putting the question of whether residents should have a say before new fees or taxes are added to our monthly utility bills. Three others supported asking voters that question. Mayor Graham voted no, against democracy, which means the only way this question can be put to the voters is through the petition process.

Ambuja Rosen: It seems to me that at least some of the time, the City Council is a yes-man for top staff. Not just the top staff who want Ashlanders to fund their substantial and frequent raises. But also the police chief, who has gotten council to “yes” him twice as he increasingly buckles down on our homeless citizens.

Sean McEnroe: Of course, if you’re a busy person, you could save a little time by using a leaf blower — neighbors be damned — or you could pay landscapers to make the noise for you.

John Marciano and Leslie Dwyer: There will be less money to pay for food programs here and across the country. This is an inhumane treatment of struggling families. At the same time, the U.S. has spent billions supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza.