Manager needs more guidance on the budget
To the editor:
Did you attend the May 11, Cape Coral City Council workshop? Did you watch it on TV? What did you think? Are you an optimist, pessimist or a realist? What did you think of Mr. Mason’s slide presentation regarding the city budget? Did you fully understand” all the charts and explanations? Frankly, I was quite puzzled and Councilman Deile asked many proper questions, and about five minutes later, received some real revealing answers. Thank you Councilman Deile!
Did Mr. Mason print a picture of gloom and doom? How about a picture of optimism? Did you have the impression that you were listening to a high-pressured, very intelligent, fast- talking life insurance agent? By the time he finished and you signed on the dotted line, you had no idea what and why you bought it.
Having been in sales for over 30 years, one word was drilled into my head. Its actually a philosophy. KISS (keep it simple stupid). I’m not suggesting that Mark is stupid. As I mentioned previously, he’s very intelligent and would probably be an excellent replacement for County Manager Stilwell.
Did Cape Coral City Council and the mayor give City Manager Terry Stewart an assignment?
What was it? I believe they gave him (agreed to) a budget of about $116 million. Correct? Mr. Stewart and staff were supposed to stay within that framework, figuring the new budget. Did council and the mayor make any suggestions? Where to cut? What to cut? How much guidance did they give him? Will they give him more guidance showing him possible savings? I hope so!
Public service taxes, charging users of electricity, gas and telephone are completely ridiculous!Sorry about that, Councilman Day. I’m sure if you, mayor and council representatives really look, you’ll find fat in the budget that has not been touched. If you think you can, you will. If you think you can’t, you won’t.
Management by fear or gloom and doom is absolutely unacceptable! So, is your glass half empty or half full? It’s mind over matter; if you don’t mind, then it doesn’t matter. Get involved! It’s your money, your city! Speak out!
Erick Kuehn
Cape Coral