Time to do the work of the people
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 10:55 AM PST
A new year brings new hopes, and optimism should be the watchword for Ontario City government.
That is not to ignore the fact the situation at Ontario City Hall is far from ideal.
Fact is, city government has been in a semi-state of turmoil since late last winter.
Much of that turmoil, though, revolves around a sweeping impulse of change brought on by the November 2006 election.
Back then, voters elected three new Council members — including Mayor Joe Dominick — and sent a loud and clear message: Change was a new, and critical theme.
There has been change in the past year at Ontario City Hall.
Longtime City Manager Scott Trainor departed in November; Public Works Director Steve Gashchler stepped down in October.
During the summer the council grappled with such issues as system development charges and utility capitalization fees.
Elected leaders also faced a real challenge regarding a possible misuse of funds regarding UCFs, a question that was never, and probably never will be, answered in a completely satisfactory manner.
Late in the year, allegations that the morale among city employees had reached an all time low surfaced during a City Council meeting. An informal citizens group with a vague mission also appeared toward the end of the year at a City Council meeting, apparently to monitor the actions of the City Council.
Some negative things have descended on Ontario City Hall, but some positive items are obvious as well.
One very positive element — judging by such events as the visibility of the informal citizens group — is the engagement by members of the public with their elected leaders.
It is also important to remember that, in a real way, change has swept across Ontario city government.
And change is always good.
There remain key issues for the city’s elected leadership to focus on. The perceived morale problem with employees is one issue that should not be ignored. The SDC issue needs a resolution soon. Finding a new city manager at a livable, and acceptable, wage is also a high priority.
Members of the City Council should also focus on working together, putting aside any partisan agendas, and moving into the future.
Now, with the dawn of the new year, is the time for elected and appointed leaders to focus on completing the work of the people in an effective, productive manner.
The council possesses good people with a strong capacity to make a significant contribution to our great town.
Now is the time for that kind of offering from our elected leaders.
