Accountability!

By Art DeBolt

We as individuals in our daily lives enter into agreements, commit ourselves to sell or purchase goods and services. We perform as we have agreed and we expect others to do the same. Should it be any different because the "we" are our elected officials acting on behalf of a City?

Recently I questioned thousands of dollars of charges from the construction projects at McAullife Field. After spending over $400,000 on construction contract for a lighted soccor field at McAullife Middle School, City crews are having to correct drainage problems and replant grass. Why? Because of UNCLEAR PLANS! Plans that were prepared by an architect who was paid over $30,000, yet did not contain a drainage plan.

Should the taxpayers pay for "unclear plans"? The current council majority thinks they should. Accountbility???

It is incumbent upon us to demand value for the taxpayer dollars that is spent on goods and services furnished to the city. To do this requires diligence and oversight as bills are paid, contracts are approved and services completed. As a councilmember I take this responsibility seriously.