Crisis In Confidence

In July of 1979, President Jimmy Carter used these words to describe the state of the economy, the state of our energy situation, and the state of the average American's confidence in the future. Like the country in 1979, the average citizen in Nevada now has a similar "Crisis In Confidence" in our local government.

After reading my colleague Leonard Ernsbarger's column in Wednesday's paper, I decided to do a little local surveying of public opinion. Listening to the word on the street in Nevada, has always proved to be one of the best indicators for me when it comes to the true mood of the citizens.

As Leonard presented in his article entitled, "Here We Go Again," the results of my informal and unscientific poll reinforces his title.

Members of the Nevada City Council, employees of the city of Nevada, and members of the various city boards, listen closely. There is a real "Crisis In Confidence" in this town, and it is growing more each passing day.

The general sentiments that have been expressed to me fall into some familiar categories. The veracity of these opinions is not based on facts. That is the worst part of this crisis. Because the first and in my opinion the worst of these held beliefs, is that the city government is still hiding much of what they are doing from the citizens themselves.

The overwhelming belief that was related to me, was that the city covered up much of what happened in the past, and is doing so again. Most of them wondered if this recent loss of Bill MaGuire was just another part of that same trend.

I wrote an article some months back when the Council voted to raise the sewer rates. I also included several comments about how the city kept track of its spending. City Manager MaGuire, to his credit contacted me. We had a lengthy and informative discussion.

I came away with a very good impression of MaGuire. He told me he agreed in principle with many of my concerns. He told me that time was the real issue. He thought it would take him a couple of years to begin to make the changes he felt were necessary to stabilize many of the perceived problems.

Now City Manager MaGuire is gone. There was little if any reason given by the council for this action. I sort of felt like a kid again, when my parents would not tell me something because I was not old enough to understand. Well members of the Council, I am beginning to wonder if any of you are grown up enough to tell us the truth.

A couple of other concerns expressed to me were the costs for the return of Harlan Moore as interim City Manager. Many of the people I talked to feel like he is really being over paid. I don't know how his pay compares to a regular manager, but like the people I talked to, it concerns me.

A third issue many citizens expressed to me, was that once we get new council members, they seem to change from the people who campaigned for the offices. Several citizens told me that some of the current council members had come to their homes, and assured them that they were not going to go along with business as usual at City Hall.

Many of these citizens now feel that they have been let down once again. On one issue the citizens were almost unanimous. That was the acceptance of several homes outside the city limits for sewer connections without the homes being annexed to the city.

For many years prior councils refused to allow such homes to connect to the city sewers. We have now changed that policy, why? You have only three choices as I see them. One you can try and annex the land in between these applicants and the city if all the owners agree. Two you can require the contract for a sewer hookup to include the same payments as any city homeowner or business would pay in city taxes, as well as the monthly rate for water and sewer use. Take it or leave it. Finally, three, follow the actual code that past councils used for years and don't allow anyone to use city sewers who is not annexed to the city. It is not rocket science.

Another area I would advise the current council to address is to find an independent selection committee for a new city manager. Try and find some local business people, teachers, bankers, senior citizens, and so forth. Get at least 10 citizens who would work independently to meet with prospective candidates.

We need a new city manager and soon. We do not need a part time commuter to lead us for more than a few weeks at best.

Once we find a good man or woman (maybe that is what we really need to try), we need to let everyone know that this person is the one in charge. Council members need to park their personal egos at the door, and let the new manager function. This town needs a lot of fixing.

Finally, I have one issue regarding conflict of interest. I don't know the law regarding this particular part of the city charter, and I don't care. Many people I talked to had the same issue on their mind as well. The council should make sure there is no conflict of interest involving either family or business in the operation of the City Council and city boards. It does not matter if there is a conflict, it only matters if there is the appearance or possibility of such conflict.

Our city needs a good old fashioned revival. Current council members, stand up for we the citizens this time. The confidence of the rank and file is waning day by day. You took the job now just do what you are supposed to do!