This is the news article:
"City Finishes Year on Solid Financial Footing"--January 19, 2012, Cortland Standard.
These are the missing names:
Former Mayor Susan Feiszli and Deputy Director of Finance and Administration Lori Crompton.
The Cortland Standard article states: "In 2009, the city had a $150,000 deficit in its fund balance, but has seen a reversal of fortune in recent years." The article also mentions that city departments came in under budget, and that sales tax receipts exceeded estimates.
Yes, and add a property tax decrease over the last two years. Without the leadership of former Mayor Susan Feiszli and the financial expertise of Deputy Director of Administration and Finance Lori Crompton, the "reversal of fortune" may not have occurred. These two unheralded people gave the city discipline and direction.
Good fortune and good leadership. Give credit where credit is due.
Thanks for the post Mr. Paine. Several people have approached me with similar comments. How quickly we forget. As I recall, the current Mayor opposed the 2010 budget when passed and along with past politic operatives felt it would be a failure. He also opposed the current year budget - but I am sure will take credit if it finishes the year ahead of the game.
ReplyDeleteScrapping the management compensation deal just negotiated a couple months ago may not create the spirit of cooperation with department heads that previously existed. But time will tell.
But as in most things political, appearances, rhetoric, or "image", usually outweigh actual accomplishments. I understand that the mayor and council have elevated the idea of "image" as being a main focus for the City. At least they are upfront about the fact. Whether the accomplishments will match the "image" remains to be seen. So it goes.