Because of past spending, in some cases like “a drunk sailor” the city’s finances are in bad shape to say the least. Mr. Mickens wants to look ahead and not look back as he quoted the Bible. I think the Bible speaks about good stewards and beyond reproach too. Mayor Gaskin, councilman Greene and councilwoman DiCicco inherited a city loaded down with debt and are entitled to a clear slate and understanding of how we got there. The city paid $6.4 million for new street lights which we are paying the Light and Water Dept. to maintain. I thought they had a warranty? A new fire station built at an unknown cost. Spending matching funds for various projects — roundabout at Harvey’s rings a bell. Flood damage maintenance on an uncompleted Amphitheater. And there are others, but you get my drift. Not a complaint or word of descent from the old council. Now back to the audit that four of the council members are against. Our present financial situation is from their watch. The docket has been approved meeting-in and meeting-out. In the times when I have been there, I have never seen any questions about the docket amounts. Is it even being looked at by the council members? Crime, drugs and gang violence need to be a priority, but “show me the money” or at least where did it go. I hope we are not experiencing a cover up of some nature. But not wanting to even discuss the financial situation, makes one wonder why! I’ve been complaining for years about drainage problems, but I would like to see an audit. If you’ve got drainage problems use Seeclickfix. We are paying for Public Works. We borrowed $5 million recently for paving that is being addressed now. We need an audit! Would a petition from the public help change minds of the four anti-audit council people? I hope the word “racism” does not raise its ugly head as it did the last time I complained about the city council.
God Bless Columbus and America!
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
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