THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 6, 1996 TAG: 9610040223
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: 69 lines
``Vendetta is evident in Harris criticisms
Several years ago, I asked Durwood Curling, then city manager of Chesapeake, what was the shelf life of the average city manager. He replied ``about five years.''
A city manager is like a church minister; half of the congregation loves him and half doesn't. So city managers understand they aren't going to please everybody.
Richard R. Harris' guest column in the Sun on Sept. 22 smacks of a budding Sam Callis in our midst. A disgruntled citizen is one thing, but a disgruntled ex-city councilman - with a vendetta aimed at our city manager - is sort of new.
I have no idea what Mr. Harris' problem is with the city manager, but sometimes it's important to get the facts before expressing views that are not correct.
City Manager Myles Standish is a professional administrator, a no-nonsense, straight-talking, to-the-point type of person. I consider him an excellent choice for the job.
I would bet the farm that he doesn't make a move or decision without careful consideration of all the facts. Then, he is willing to make his decision and stand by it, be it popular or unpopular, but always in the best interest of the city.
City Council hires the city manager, and he becomes the CEO, with the council as the board of directors.
My friend and neighbor, Mayor Thomas Underwood, is chairman of the board, spokesman for the city, leader of the council. He also has been in the shoes of the city manager (if only for a short time). Tom knows the city manager must have the latitude and freedom to run the city and provide the leadership for all city employees.
I think we have a good city manager, one who will help our city grow in an orderly and professional manner. We should support City Manager Myles Standish even if he does or says something we don't like.
I urge the City Council to give him a vote of confidence.
Harold J. ``Pete'' Kidd
Longstreet Lane
Suffolk ``Closed-door'' meetings wrong forums for future
Annexation was the topic of conversation on the evening of Sept. 16 at a Town Hall meeting sponsored by the Isle of Wight Citizens Association.
We would like to thank Mr. O.A. Spady and Mr. Malcolm Cofer, who represented the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, and Mr. Dan Smith, who represented the Town Council of Smithfield. These gentlemen were on the hot seat most of the evening and handled all the questions very well. Mr. Richard Turner served as moderator and we thank him for taking us through the evening in a very even-handed manner.
The citizens who attended had many concerns about annexation. One of their concerns should be every citizen's concern, namely government conducting the people's business behind closed doors. They feel they should have been aware of this proposed annexation throughout the proceedings and I agree. The county and town representatives present also agreed they should have gone public.
I believe it is up to the people to make sure in the future that they conduct all of the people's business in the open. The Isle of Wight Citizens Association has and will continue to pursue the right of the citizens to have their government operate in the open, whether it is state or local government.
We again thank everyone who participated in this Town Meeting and hope to see you again at our next meeting.
Grace Keen
President, Isle of Wight Citizens Association
Smithfield by CNB