Had the opportunity to speak with one of the Department heads and was talking on couple of issues. And then because the person was leaving, I took the high road and asked that person to vote for me. I am after all a serious and visionary Candidate when compared to Mr. Rapp and Mr. Azinger the Elder. The person said "would think about me". Then as leaving, stopped and asked me if I was going to dump him/ her. I said as I have written before and said several times "I am NOT going to fire anyone". It will be an issue with how each and every person accepts the new guidelines. And I will again put them out here. "Do your jobs". And in Truthfulness, this is where some will get into trouble: "NO Nepotism, Cronyism or Favoritism". Some after years/ decades are not going to be able to follow those four words and will retire/ leave of their own choice. Should anyone get caught showing the above to some at the expense to any other Resident of the Community OR Applicant for a position or promotion; than we would have problems?
Very simply put, I wish to hire the best and to keep the best. The City will be far better for that than in hiring or promoting based on family, friends or neighbors over one who is not. A person is a good guy might work for your bowling team, but is NOT a recommendation for Employment/ Promotion. And yet again, I will stress when I put out my "Platform for Tomorrow" for the folks in the City and I mean ALL the folks in the City, it will be seen that I wish to improve various aspects of your living in Vienna for each and every one of you. Be Patient and have some trust. You will be astounded at what I wish to do for you who live here; pay taxes and deserve respect. Some will get more than others, but I believe everyone can get something positive in lower taxes, public safety and property value increases.
Mr. Uhl wished to attend the Vienna Tree and Beautification Commission meeting on the 23rd, but it was cancelled for some reason and Mr. Miracle did not show up till 7:00 on the dot for the City Council meeting. The Budget and Finance meeting also disappeared into the wind? Mr. Rogers is usually put back on for a specific meeting when needed; but I find it odd as he was "dismissed/ discharged" from the B&F last year when put on to replace Ms. Smith due to conflict of interest issues until the ADA/ City Atty., made his then and up too now infamous determination that she could be in on any meeting to vote for her own raises/ benefit increases. May I ask how one can be called back after being "dismissed/ discharged" from a Committee, no matter the reason? More on the latest Council meeting later.
City is very good at cancelling meetings but not telling anyone who MIGHT wish to attend. There is a website Calendar that could be used, but City refuses to do so as a courtesy. Yep, that word has popped up again. I do know myself from getting there before the City Council meetings that the Tree Commission is somewhere between sparse to none by non committee folks. But what if?
Had a Senior Center member approach me and advise that the Senior Center was now required to pay for their own TV, phone and internet because they were making enough money. Don't know where all their funding comes from, but was very surprised to hear that. Is also kicked out of the City System due to security concerns? One of the Council Members contacted Mr. Clegg, IT guru on that, but last I heard still no response back. I am aware that at least one at the Senior Center used their computers for the preparation of THEIR calendar but seem now can no longer do that? I would venture as a layman that all at the Senior Center would have to do new sign-ins on the new CAS (?) system and set up new individual programs for themselves. May I ask why using CAS? Seems much more expensive than other alternatives? But is their money, if, off City dollars now? Seems odd with an Election coming up?
City has put up minutes for the 9 June meeting but still cannot get the 26 May minutes posted. The same for the Water Board for the past three months. Again I point out that City/ Water Board is hiding information. When the 2016- 2017 Vienna Utility Board (I call it the Water Board), was approved on the 23rd, it was asked about the financial condition by Mr. Azinger the Elder who had missed the last meeting. Mr. Rapp gave him a half truth answer as is usually the case when talking about the money problems for the Utility Board. He noted the Reserve funds (my term) was paying the shortfalls for the Bond payments. I am paraphrasing a bit. What he left out was Mr. Barr while approving the Budget was concerned about the fact that the Storm Water Account was so broke and in the red. As there was a media camera in the meeting, the usual self serving comments were made. The issue on the raising of the fees for the Businesses has been addressed but what was not said was it won't happen till after the Election. He wants to be Mayor but feels need to lie about the Truth of the accounts and more importantly- fix them. Whomever gets elected even me, will have NO CHOICE but to address and raise the rates on storm water rates for the Businesses. It can not be allowed to run in the red month after month and year after year. At least I am as always being up front and truthful with you folks.
The Water and Sewer retained earning funds (not sure that is right as it seems are being renamed a bit), are paying for the Bond payments as there is not a lot of extra money in the day to day accounts anymore. Spend, Spend and Spend some more. He can lie all he might wish too, but rate increases are coming. Mr. Rapp is just running on empty till after the Election. I have called this I believe Misdirection, Misinformation, deceit and deception? It is very, very hard to get information out anymore as Mr. Rapp knows you folks with throw him out if you know how broke the Utility Board is now compared to 1 January 2013 too now. The bad part was Mr. Barr and all the rest still voted YES all across the line for the Budget. The City Council does not really care very much as it has little or no control over the activities of the Utility Board. Just a "rubber stamp".
Gas has taken a big hit Friday on Britain pulling out of EU. Down about $2.54/ barrel. Price at one place was down to $2.27/ gallon but now up to $2.31. Still expect more downwards in next few days? As the 4th is coming, the need for profits may keep price up till after the 5th of July.
Is absolutely so sad what has happened in most of the State with the flooding. I do not understand why those hundreds trapped at that shopping mall could not be gotten out with their vehicles? Does West Virginia Reserves/ National Guard not have any Combat Construction Battalions/ Companies with bridging capabilities? Could put up a temporary bridge to get all out. 'nuff said'
(Paid for by the Candidate- Lawrence J. Wilson for Mayor of Vienna).