I have never written a note to the people of Albert Lea.

What’s up with city management? I don’t know our city management, but, for the first time, do we need an assistant manager? Does the city manager really need one, or is it making his job easier?

What I do know is that we should not mess with the Parks and Recreation Department director. I do know Jay Hutchison on the business end mostly. I am the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post and the senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans chapter and a member of the American Legion. We use Jay for many things for our organizations throughout the year. If we need a park for an event, to set up for a ceremony or for anything, I know to go to Jay and it will be done. He is good at his job. He will have it done. I don’t have to check on it.

Will we now get statements like: “I will check on it.” “I will get back to you.”? Many times I will need it ready by tomorrow when things come up. It always is taken care of.

The people of our town will suffer the most. I can’t think of any job in our city that the people talk to more often than his.

He also, I heard, is two years from retirement. Why, after 21 years, do we have to get rid of such a valuable asset to our community? The City Council needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Assistant city manager or a go-to guy like Jay? Is the city manager cutting people to justify his job? Everyone I have talked to is very mad. The council should ask the people. I could go on and on with this so-called study the city manager is doing.

 

Jim Hockinson

commander

VFW Post 447

Albert Lea