What is Columbus’ future?
Do you care? Will you get involved too? There is enough finger pointing and negativity to go around. Even if you live in the county, the city of Columbus is the face that is seen by everyone. There is a mindset that maybe, Columbus is too far gone to be saved. I’ll be the first to admit, that we have a leadership problem and our problems might get worse before they get better, but to say it can’t be turned around is not the answer. I do believe, we have some in the city that maybe, are looking out for themselves more than looking out for the city’s interest. I love Columbus and am pleading that those that really care, stand up and demand accountability and transparency from our leaders.
Now, after the council meeting on the 2nd in which the mayor gave a presentation of cuts in the budget the police and fire departments are being cut. Really? I can understand, the public (four men and a truck) works department and the Cadillac health insurance program but to cut the two departments that affect our safety and welfare is not the place to cut. The mayor and department heads are not in the belt tightening plan. To look at it, it sounds great but cuts should be fair and across the board. How about J5? Oh that’s right, they are working for free! What happened to the reported $90,000 annual fee and six percent on the city contracts they have been getting to oversee projects? What is the hold-up on the clean-up then?
I think the citizens of Columbus are kept in the dark about a lot of things going on in our local government. It’s time to wake up, make the elected officials accountable. What little transparency there is, is smoke and mirrors.
I met a young businessman, who attended his first council meeting and he asked me after the meeting Tuesday, “What just happened? Is it like that all the time?” I said sadly, yes and some times it’s worse. He was concerned about citizen input. I told him it was a spectator sport at the meeting, unless you were on the agenda. No wonder you have low attendance. The public input on present issues brought forth have to wait two or more weeks to address. No question can be asked and no input given because you aren’t on the agenda. Are our elected officials afraid of hard questions? To close my opinion and questions, I have one more. Why was there work to the entrance to Dean Acres last week done, while other parts of the city are neglected? Who lives in Dean Acres? Beware the citizens are watching!
God Bless our fair city and America.
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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