I have been watching the planning department over the past couple of years and all of their missteps. Besides being sued, which seems like a lot lately, they are doing secretive deals and no-bid contracts. I think it is sooo bad at the department, I am not sure just changing the director would fix the rot. Obviously the planning director takes orders from the mayor then directs his staff to move forward. But there seems to be a disconnect between the mayor and the director and the rest of the management staff. I guess it seems they acted alone,
If I were the next mayor, I would not only replace the director I would likely replace every manager and engineer right below him. Just putting a new director in place won’t solve the problem, there needs to be a whole reorganization of the department and there goals. I don’t like seeing professionals with the city losing their jobs, but I also look at city employees as an investment and if that investment is costing us instead of providing essential services, it’s time to show them the door. It’s also damaging to the reputation of that department.
I am NOT naive, I know this has been going on for a long time, but with all the lawsuits lately the problem has seemed to rear it’s head.
Depending on who the next mayor will be, it will be interesting to watch how they handle the situation.
Government has become a scheme where those who can’t make it in the private sector get richer stealing public money. Trump now sells cell phones. It’s been bitcoin and bibles. His real estate development has always failed. When you’re king, use taxpayers to bail you out. His methods trickle down to state and local government. Sales tax revenue is down and there’s less support from citizens. Hopefully, the scoundrels will move on when the skim dries up.