• ‘Citizen watchdogs or nit pickers’ • Listen to the bickering • So professional ‘Citizen watchdogs or nit pickers’ Mr. Walter Lewis’ column of May 17, 2013 re-introduces himself as one of the chief protagonists for re-opening the crusade for
• ‘Citizen watchdogs or nit pickers’ • Listen to the bickering • So professional
‘Citizen watchdogs or nit pickers’
Mr. Walter Lewis’ column of May 17, 2013 re-introduces himself as one of the chief protagonists for re-opening the crusade for adoption of the council/manager system of government for Kaua‘i. Apparently, the postponement to an indefinite time suggested by the Charter Review Commission in its unanimous decision of July 26, 2010 has been reached.
I read his column with great interest hoping to find new and compelling reasons sufficient to excite at least a majority of the commisioners to adopt some kind of motion to, perhaps, look, again, at the proposed charter amendment drafted by the proponents citizens committee. The same and repeated arguements are there and do not, in my opinion, meet our Charter’s standard requirement of “neccessity” and “desireability” (Sec.24.03)
However, intentional or inadvertent, Mr. Lewis’ efforts at persuasion seem to be injecting a class distinction between his “protagonists” versus “antagonists” who do not agree that change is neccessary. Quoting from his column, I find these references relating to proponents: “citizens not being well served”…”citizens (who) suggested a better and newer system”…”citizen watchdogs or nit pickers.”
Question: Are not all voters “citizens” with equal rights and privileges to agree or disagree ?
Assuming the county /manager system is adopted for Kaua‘i and further assuming that “the manager who has had education training and on hands experience in municipal management” begins to make decisions which are blatantly contrary to, or are not in harmony with, the political or points of view of the supporters of this county/manager system, will the voters be confronted with another demand for a change?
We cannot overlook the fact that municipalities and counties have different problems peculiar to each and will or may require different approaches to their soluntion.
While the manager has education and training and will more likely be a non- resident, we must remember, too.,that he is not technically programmed executively or administatively to perform on issues expected of him by Mr. Lewis. There are no “Right” or “Wrong” Buttons” to Push for the “nit-pickers.”
Alfred Laureta
Kapa‘a
Listen to the bickering
Having done many hours of research on county or city manager systems throughout our nation and since many citizens on Kaua‘i have asked me what a council-mayor system is (the type we now have) compared to a council-manager system, please let me explain how it works.
The mayor would still be elected but he would also sit on the council as one of its voting members.
A county manager trained in the administration of municipal affairs would be hired by the council with very stringent qualifications and whatever job needed to be done he would be THE person in charge of doing it.
The finger pointing back and forth between the council and the administration would be over as the mayor would now be a member of the council — a great relief for those who have listened to bickering over the years.
The manager hires the department heads and with his job depending on the success of what he accomplishes, he must hire people under him who have the experience to be successful and not be a political appointee.
This type of system has been extremely successful in a great majority of the municipalities where it is used. It may not be the magic bullet to end all ills on our Island but with the mismanagement, incompetence, waste and ever rising taxes, isn’t well worth trying?
Our council, the people by petition, or the Charter Review Commission can put this measure on the ballot. So whenever any of you citizens come across issues that the status quo fails to address, remember to tell them to hire a qualified county manager.
If you need more information on this issue please contact me and I will be happy to accommodate you.
Ken Taylor
Kapa‘a
So professional
Friday night I had the good fortune of experiencing the musical/opera, Miss Saigon. What a delight!
I am born and bread in New York City and was going to Broadway shows by the time I was 5 so I have a good sense of what is good theater and what is not. This is GOOD theater. The cast was superb and the leading lady’s voice was clear as a bell.
The sets were amazing and who wouldn’t enjoy a dragon dance and a red Mustang slowly being rolled on the stage.
If anyone on this island is thirsting to see an absolutely wonderful show, I urge you to get your tickets for next weekend’s production, May 26, 27, and 28. It’s a no-miss event.
Kudos to the producer of the show, Mr. Jason Blake.
Gail Rosen
Lihue
