I agree with Mayor Fiorentini
that sick time abuse must not be tolerated. I'm trying to get
the details that I need in order to understand the basis and
appropriateness of this specific surveillance activity.
Hopefully, the individuals are
targeted solely on the basis of sick time abuse. Citizens are
entitled to and deserve a concise and cogent understanding of
the facts and the issues. I do not believe that is what we have
at this time.
However, three systemic issues
in our City are rearing their ugly heads. First of all, citizens'
trust in our City Government is at an all-time low. Secondly,
the contracts that govern the relationship between management
and City employees are grossly outdated. Management needs the
authority and leadership to handle issues like sick time abuse
without having to resort to spending $13,000 of hard-earned taxpayer
dollars for video surveillance. Thirdly, both sides of the equation,
the Mayor and all City employees, need to honestly negotiate
on a wide variety of topics, such as sick time abuse and health
insurance reform to lower City costs.
If elected Mayor, I'll work in
good faith and tirelessly to address these critical issues in
an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.
John Michitson
(M)339-221-2276
