Dear Editor,
We can no longer run our City
like a lemonade stand. I will change the way that the City plans,
performs, evaluates and audits the services provided to the community.
Expectations for everyone will be clear and corrective action
taken swiftly to remedy issues. Management needs the leadership
and authority to address problems fairly and firmly. Union contracts
must change.
It all starts with establishing
trust and changing the present culture with new leadership. Whether
it is school committee bickering, constant Mayor-union clashes
that have reached new lows, or a casual attitude toward sick
time and other benefits, the overall culture must change. All
parties must interact and negotiate in good faith for the good
of the community. In short, I will help build a strong sense
of community.
My planning and management policies
will help define what success should look like in Haverhill by
establishing performance measurements for each service to be
provided. These performance measurements will emphasize effectiveness
and efficiency of operations along with customer satisfaction
and budgetary responsibility. Actual results for each program
will be reported, and employees will be evaluated on those results.
The taxpayers deserve accountability for their hard earned tax
dollars and a City where openness and mutual respect are cherished.
Clearly that is not happening now. It is time for a change.
John Michitson
Candidate for Mayor
119 Kenoza Street
