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Holding Niles mayor accountable

DEAR EDITOR:

At Wednesday’s Niles fiscal commission meeting I asked the mayor about three spending issues:

Why the administration spent $30,000 on Chamber of Commerce services?

Why were separate safety and service director positions created, costing $12,000 more annually?

Why the city spent $92,000 in the past two+ years for outside legal assistance when they have a law director?

Before answering, the mayor responded: “I’ve got the best idea how you can help this town. Why don’t you run for mayor?”

Regarding question 1: Though I respect the chamber and its services, as a fiscal commission member tasked with monitoring spending, it’s reasonable to question return on that investment (ROI). That’s what we do in private business; shouldn’t the public sector do the same? After all, the mayor is steward of taxpayer money. Warren city council recently debated spending $599 for a dishwasher and their financial health is certainly better than Niles. Shouldn’t the mayor be questioned on discretionary spending, especially for $30,000?

Question 2: For nine months the city operated with a combined safety / service director. It was then decided by the mayor and supported by a council member, that the combined position created problems. No further elaboration was offered. Warren, a city with twice the number of residents, safety forces, etc., operates with a combined safety / service director. I assume it works for them! But not with this mayor, who occasionally misses important meetings, like the board of control. His absence restricts the ability to vote on spending issues since a quorum doesn’t exist. If this is the reason we need split director responsibilities, why not just admit it?

Question 3: Outside legal counsel cost over $92,000 since 2015, and the meter is still running! One could argue legal expertise in contract negotiations is necessary, and that would be debatable. It also could be a deterrent to resolving contract negotiations, as expressed by a police association member at a council meeting. Why not have the mayor lead an internal team including the law director in negotiations? Probably beyond my expertise but something to consider when in fiscal emergency. There is no argument that outside counsel was not necessary to dismiss the former service director. This should have been the responsibility of the mayor and /or law director.

As a member of the fiscal recovery commission, I will continue to represent citizens and question discretionary spending which will inhibit the city’s recovery. Political decisions will not remove Niles from its current deficit state. It will take business decisions. It remains to be seen if the elected officials can operate in a business manner.

John H. Davis

Niles Fiscal Commission

member

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