To the editor:

It has been stated that the city manager had 17 elected officials giving him directions the last few years. What seems to have been forgotten is that both the city manager and council members, sit in their positions to represent the citizens, not one another. When the city manager receives council’s directions, his job is to direct his staff to bring back thoroughly researched and prepared documents with information that is ready for council’s vote. A vote that will ultimately benefit the city and all its citizens not just the council members, or the city manager.

If an assignment is not completed to the satisfaction of council, there are questions to be asked of the city manager. The city manager, for the most part, stands behind the work of his managers and directors. He supports them and their presentations. Therefore, staff’s presentations have received his approval. Yet the questions are still being asked, why costs are so high; why wasn’t bidding done, why was a contract renewed without new bidding, on and on?

There are valid questions being asked of the city manager. He directs his staff, and with his staff, brings to the council, finished proposal for council’s approval. A council of seven members and mayor cannot do the work of nearly 1,800 city employees. Therefore, it is expected of the city manager to bring forth consent agenda items that are, for the most part, without need of questioning ready for a vote of confidence.

The excuse that there are too many council members giving directions is not a valid one. No direction is given to the city manager unless a majority of the council members agrees on it, and then it becomes a direction given by one voice. The council and mayor direct the city manager while the city manager directs his staff. All are expected to perform the functions of their positions and bring back the best deals for the benefit of the city and its citizens.

The city manager, council and mayor, are working for the benefit of the citizens and the city, not for the benefit of the city manager, the council members, or the mayor. It’s time all those who sit on the dais understand all city business is about the people. The city and all city business should be done for the benefit and well being of both city and citizens because that’s what council members and mayor are elected to do, and that is: represent us, “we the people” and to do all possible to make our city, Cape Coral, the best city it can be.

Joan Sadlowski

Cape Coral