Well, the vote for reorganization of the city is complete. I congratulate those on the City Council who listened to their constituents and said no to the reorganization. I have been wondering why an important question hasn’t been asked, or maybe it has and I missed it.

If the assistant city manager has enough time to take over covering these other departments, that apparently means he doesn’t have enough work to do. I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs — well, maybe one — but if there isn’t enough work for this person, why do we have him on staff?

How much money did the city have to spend to get a suggestion like this to do away with employees and departments? A lot of businesses have solved this with attrition. We have long-term employees who will want to retire and you can decide at that time whether to fill the position again.

It is sad to hear that the morale has hit a new low with the city employees. I spent last summer feeling the same way in the job I have, and it was not pleasant for me or anyone around me. Having the almighty hatchet hanging over your head is never pleasant and does nothing to improve the way people work. People do their best when they’re happy and feel that they are doing their best at their job and being appreciated for that work.

How many people now feel unappreciated? Well, I hope the employees know that the citizens do not wish them ill-will. As long as you’re showing up for work and doing your job, we appreciate you for that and want you to stick around. It’s always nice to see faces you know instead of new ones constantly popping up.

I congratulate those on the council who saw which way the wind was blowing and voted against this proposal and am sad to see that my own councilman was one who thought it was a good idea. Businesses, no matter what type or how big, always end up top heavy because we always figure we need more people to lead us. Well, as I’ve said previously, if the assistant city manager has so much time available to him, maybe we need to reassess that job position. It’s just a thought.

 

Kathy Diaz

Albert Lea