E-mail to Largo Commissioners & City ManagerI'm Truly PuzzledFor years I've watched and/or attended virtually every Commission meeting and in all candor I'm truly amazed by what I've witnessed. Nothing mentioned below is personal merely shared observations and a complaint or two. For the tech savvy we've known for years that when relying upon a computer for a given answer it's far more important to ask the right question than to rely upon the answer received. This is true in EVERY quest for knowledge. It has become painfully obvious that the elected body is being directed by staff, not the other way around. What do I base this upon? To site but one example, and there are many, as you are well aware, I'm opposed to the current spending for demolishing the clock tower corner and the replanting...and it's more than merely the aesthetics although I truly think public safety trumps aesthetics. I have tried for weeks to get the complete contract, including the specific duties of the contractor, regarding the project. Unfortunately I have received everything but, I should mention, I do have a background in the construction business. I can assure you this project should NOT cost $247,000.00 ... or whatever the current total is. Worth mentioning and a substantiation of my observation, when Mr. Usher mentioned the additional $17,000.00, for the project, coming out of general revenue, is was quite apparent that NONE OF YOU had prior knowledge of this but sadly no one questioned him. Why? In order to make an informed decision on any project it's mandatory that an individual have a basic understanding of the endeavor. If a decision maker has no background in the building business how could you expect them to make an informed decision on a construction project? The same type question can be asked about taxes, traffic engineering and a myriad of other subjects. I think it would be prudent to thoroughly examine some of the projects brought before you and I further think you should get into the DETAILS of the clock tower corner. One thing I pride myself on is I know what I don't know and when that happens I seek the wisdom of others. When confronted with items you obviously don't understand why don't you seek the advice of those who do understand it ... in the medical community they call it getting a second opinion. Then and only then can you make an informed decision. - Curtis A. Holmes
|