I find myself compelled to write my first letter to the editor because I consider the recent “reorganization” proposals of the city extremely alarming.

First, I feel that eliminating the head of one of the largest departments in the city seems unwise at best and foolishly short-sighted at worst. Our parks, hockey rinks and recreational programs are a vital part of our city and children’s well-being. To not have a dedicated department head for hands-on direction of these programs is a serious mistake that will affect the future of our children and our city.

Next, the current, (or, I guess, former) department head, Jay Hutchison, has done an excellent job for many years, which makes this change even more baffling. Jay lives here and has raised his family here, so has a personal interest in the quality of life in our city.

I question that commitment from our assistant city manager as he does not live in our city or even in our region, but rather lives in the metropolitan area. How can he direct our city departments — the current plan of our city manager makes the assistant city manager responsible for six to seven departments — better than the current department heads, who live here and raise their families here? He has no vested interest in the quality of any of these departments.

The mayor and three of our City Council members have chosen to agree with the city manager on this structure change. I see no advantage to having someone who doesn’t even live here taking charge of the majority of our departments while the city manager “develops relationships with city leaders.” What exactly does that mean in terms of actual job duties? If the mayor and council members think that this is a money-saving decision, they are being short-sighted. Bad management inevitably costs money in the end.

In summary, I feel that we need to take a closer look at this recent change. How did we get a city manager who wants a title without the responsibility? How did we get an assistant city manager who doesn’t even live here? How did we get City Council members who are yes-men who agree to terminate a department head who has dedicated his career to our city? Think of these questions when you vote this fall.

 

Tony C. Rogness

Albert Lea