City manager hires, fires Editor: It grieves me immensely to see letters from people who are misinformed or intentionally report incorrect information, especially when the facts are easily obtained from City Hall. In a public meeting, City Attorney Mayo Galindo praised City Manager Matt Smith’s selection of the new law firm. Smith was hired to run our city which he is also cleaning up. He had a complete investigation before taking final action. Police Chief Mark Jackley lied various times when being interviewed. How can the residents continue to respect him. Officers you see on the streets daily are the heroes, the ones we need to thank for standing up for what’s right. Former City Manager Joe Painter was alleged to have committed violations, resigned under fire without an investigation. Then they investigated to try to find wrong, costing taxpayers $l0,000, after another $12,000 on a flawed investigation. No wrong was found and Painter was 100 percent cleared in public briefing. Former Finance Director Richard Middleton was cleared of any unlawful actions after being terminated by Jackley. But this was not in the best interest of the majority of council (January-June 2006) to make these findings public, as was telling how Patty Cox was fired without cause while on sick leave. The city charter authorizes only the city manager to hire and dismiss department heads, not council or the mayor to approve by vote, where the mayor vetoes a majority because he is displeased. Council is not supposed to be a one-person voice. Jo Anna Wheeler
Live Oak resident Cibolo ‘bridge to nowhere’ Editor: Alaska has a bridge to nowhere and Cibolo has a bridge that no one can use. Two years ago, Cibolo City Council circumvented the voters and issued revenue bonds for various projects. Since Dobie Junior High School students were walking on Borgfeld Road to cross a drainage creek, council decided a pedestrian bridge was necessary for their safety. In February 2007, the bridge was built, at a cost of $71,934. But, the bridge was unusable. Both ends were three feet above ground level. Police tape prevented anyone from using the bridge. Nevertheless, council proceeded to name the bridge for a former public works director. Council then extended the city manager’s contract and gave him a $10,000 pay raise. Gee, how much would his salary increase have been had the city manager actually built a useable bridge? Today, the pedestrian bridge remains the same. Both ends are still three feet above ground level. The bridge is still unusable. One year later, students continue walking on Borgfeld Road around the unusable bridge supposedly built for their safety. One year later, Cibolo residents continue driving their cars on Borgfeld Road past the unusable bridge. The only thing missing is a sign that proudly proclaims, “Cibolo residents, your tax dollars at work!” What a waste. Not long ago, Cibolo voters declined to recall the mayor and city council. If this bridge is proof of competent government, then Cibolo voters are getting the government they deserve. Charles Ruppert
Cibolo resident |
