Editor:
After reading the article about the “City Council” giving the City Manager a thumbs-up (Aug. 1), why would they give him “another raise” before his review?
Mr. Martin is helpful, but as a citizen here in Sweet Home I think differently. Is it not the city manager and mayor’s job to bring business to this town? And who is chasing these businesses out? I feel it is someone in the “Community Development Department.” This person makes new business owners comply with “the latest and greatest money-taking codes and ordinances” (No, it is not you Mr. Code Enforcer) rather than make the owner of these “empty” buildings get them up to code.
I am surprised that no one has ever brought up the issue of our mayor and his business calendars all through out the city buildings and City Council room. Is that not a “conflict of interest?” I feel they should be replaced with just normal calendars. They are not as expensive as all the snacks and meals they provide during some of the Planning Commission meetings and other committee meetings. If anyone else feels the same way, then help me put together a petition to have them removed. My number is 205-4162.
Getting back to the review, I am sorry, but I think bringing new businesses to town should be the first thing on the list of the mayor and city manager. So this citizen gives them both two thumbs down. And some citizen advice to the city manager: Take control of the people you are supposed to be managing.
Kim Lawrence
Sweet Home