Concerning City Manager John Salomone's decision to leave Auburn: the mayor of Newington, Conn., has said, “Different towns have political winds that blow in different directions but in Newington we are supportive of our town manager. We think he's a good fit.”

Well mayor, how does this fit? The worst negotiated contracts in Auburn's history; entitlements that are breaking the backs of taxpayers (with no end in sight); a $4 million budget deficit that has made Auburn the worst debt-community in the state; and an attitude that has alienated an entire city from itself.

Now it's time for Auburn to re-group. Instead of rushing to replace the city manager's position with possibly another disaster, let's seriously examine other possible forms of city government/eliminate some expenses.

We'd save about $115,000 average per year over a five year contract for city manager, plus about $120,000 per year for two secretaries in salaries and benefits; and that's just for starters. We need to hear from the people. We need someone who is for the people of Auburn not out for himself.

Someone who is for the people, by the people to scrutinize the budget and spend only what is necessary and run the city like a business instead of the mentality of “who cares, it's not my money I'm spending” attitude. Someone accountable to the taxpayers.

And we must get the executive session rule back into control. Executive sessions have been misused to keep the general public in the dark about much that has been going on in city hall and therefore keep council members hushed. This area must be closely examined and strictly re-defined. We were all under the impression when city council passed its 5- percent city tax increase we would also have a 5-percent increase; not so. A property that was re-assessed from $60,000 to $85,000 results in a 21 percent increase in the property tax, not 5 percent. Just another example of how they sneak things in to get their own way. They're counting on us not understanding their system. We've been had again. This must stop.

Our own residents have had to take the time and trouble to act as watchdogs over our city government and departments: writing letters, taking pictures, etc. Too much unchecked power has been put in the hands of the few, including some city departments. Voters and city councilors should be able to question and get answers about any reasonable city business. Meanwhile, some citizens have complained that they hesitate to publicly criticize certain people for fear of being targeted by various city departments. That's how our town is currently being run.

It's high time for a good shakeup.

Ducayne's column appears

Tuesdays in The Citizen and

she can be reached at

sacredheart6005@hotmail.com