Norfolk Daily News

Thursday – February 21, 2008

Your View

Listen to Constituents
NORFOLK — In reading the latest stories in the Daily News, what a stark contrast there is regarding the wonderful campaign for $13 million for building a college of nursing as compared to the possibility of new city offices.

The lack of vision, excitement and long-term decision making has been obviously absent from the city offices. While both projects are very important for our community, I have to question the apparent “hurry up, lack of study and input, and let’s just settle for something that will meet our needs today because we took an option on a location and this is all we can afford even though we aren’t even sure what this cost will be.”

If this is incorrect and not what the mayor and city administrator have in mind, why not stand up and tell the public what your agenda is?

As to not taking the unique opportunity to add some private citizens to the selection committee by the mayor who, after all, were responsible for bringing forth other possible sites as well as fresh ideas for a cost-effective multi-service center to the table, it has made me question our city leaders’ real intentions as well.

I know some councilmen have wanted and been interested in moving the city offices.

As elected officials, I salute them for their efforts. However, let’s think out of the box and recognize this very worthwhile and historic facility will be a landmark of pride and service for all our citizens for decades to come. I implore the councilmen to please don’t tarnish the public trust that has been given to you by following the directions of a few rather than listening to the loud voices of your constituents.

JIM MILLER
Former Norfolk Mayor