Wednesday, March 21, 2007

We are all agreed that the city hasn't performed for the last 30 years?

I have been throwing the city manager under the bus for a few days and we haven't heard much defense of his performance. So, let's take the next logical step. Does anyone want to say that the city government has done a good job over the last 20, 30 or 40 years? I think the city has been going in the right direction for the last 4 years, but the last 20? Nope.

In the last 40 years, the USA has gone from 200M people to 300M. Carbondale is about the same size. There are more service businesses in Carbondale then we could have thought possible 40 years ago, so that is good. There is less manufacturing and any other business that makes anything, then there was 10 to 40 years ago.

What is better about the city then it was in the past? Why do you think the city is better then 20 years ago. Could the city government have done better or is this just the best we can expect. If we had it to do over, could we have done better?

Anyone want to stick up for the Neil Dillard years? The performance of our City Manager led government over the last 20? Crickets?

Your comments are welcome.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not true I did respond.
You must not like what I said.

PeterG said...

Hi Sam -

I couldn't figure out what the heck you were talking about in that last one. I normally get your comments, but sure didn't get that one.

Sorry.

Anonymous said...

OK, I'll try this, do you agree with the following statements.
The City Manager style of government is not one in that the
City Manager is the first and last
decision maker.
The City Manager, is appointed by the City Council, is responsible for carrying out the policies and ordinances adopted by the City Council, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government, and for appointing the department directors.
If you do then why would you not agree that the City Manager should get the credit for the results and the Council gets the credit for the ideas.

I also think that crediting the city manager for less development is wrong it is the entire council(s) who deserve the credit.
Carbondale is better off than it was 20 years ago but I want to provide some number so I'll get back to you.
Neil Dillard was loved and is loved by Carbondale enough to be re-elected 4 times then he retired. That speaks for itself as to the job people felt he was doing.

PeterG said...

I find it hard to believe that anyone can say much about the Neil Dillard years, beyond it was very quiet and boring. He is very nice and left the city with a huge number of problems that needed to be solved.

Maybe you have to define if you want a mayor that is nice or one that does a good job.

I prefer a mayor that does a good job.