It has come to my attention that the Bothell City Council has apparently approved $72,000 to pick up the tab for the city manager, Bob Stowe, to get a master’s degree. This would be obtained at a private school, not a public school (which would be cheaper).

It appears that there was some “sweetheart deal” arranged, without the public, and perhaps the full council, knowing about this. Why did council vote for this? In these hard economic times, does council believe that taxpayers’ money should be spent this way when there are far greater needs in our community?

I know the city manager has said that “Bothell is recession-proof,” but that surely is a joke. Please explain to me and my fellow taxpayers the reason for this expenditure.

Phil Kienast