I have a problem spending $18,000 on a mural to paint a water tank (Auburn Reporter, April 10).

Maybe those members who voted yes should pay for the project themselves since they do not think $18,000 is a lot to spend. If it was their personal money to spend, would they spend the money? Probably not, but since it’s the City paying for it then it’s a blank check.

I also have another issue. I have lived in Lakeland Hills for eight years, and it wasn’t until I really looked for this water tank that I noticed it. If you’re not looking for it, you will not notice it. It’s also hidden partly by large trees, and if I read the article correctly, they want to cut down real trees to paint fake trees? Only government officials would think like this.

Why not just leave the real trees, if the point is to give the homeowners something nice to look at?

One member also said it would be nice to give the homeowners something nice to look at. Excuse me, but the water tank was there long before the homes and homeowners arrived. Knowing there was a water tank there, they shouldn’t have anything to complain about. If the homeowners there are complaining about it, have them pay for it.

Buy the way, the other tank in Lakeland Hills that is clearly visible from everywhere  – and not real nice to look at – has the painted trees on it. It doesn’t look any better.

I suggest that the members get up to Lakeland and take a look at both tanks and really decide which is better, nature or fake nature.

– David Alexander