Fresh approach needed in Elyria?

There have been a few changes in how city governments manage their day-to-day operations in the last 20 years, and to further complicate the issue, there is far less money available because of state funding cuts and a lack of growth in the economy.

Many of the biggest changes have been changes in state laws and increases in Environmental Protection Agency regulatory standards. To remain competitive, directors of daily operations must be able to anticipate new trending developments, while maintaining current levels of service, and building the capacity to improve service delivery.

It has become a far more complex job. Yet, on its face, the personality of the job is still the same. It’s about how directors engage and adeptly work with people in the intergovernmental offices, at the tables of business, and in the diverse at-large community.

Given the city of Elyria’s current state of economic challenge and trending conditions for crisis, it may have become necessary to engage an experienced, professional director to help redirect and refocus the city’s daily operations. The historical knowledge of the city’s past clerical operations had been viewed as a presumptive advantage during this administration’s early transition to governing. A corresponding wave of joyous congratulations and expectations was heralded for all to hear. It can now be stated, the years that followed have not maintained the same level of qualified advantage, measurable success and inspired optimism.

Morale may be at an all-time low, with concerns echoing from both the management and service levels. Also, an overly ambitious and possibly reckless approach to planning and implementing capital projects has contributed to a distressed financial position for the city.

Is this the time for an experienced professional director, with a fresh look at things, and new ideas, to come in and make the necessary corrections? A fresh approach that would be rooted in discipline, transparency and objectivity? Perhaps a fresh approach to communications and teamwork also would be realized and most certainly welcomed!

Or should the expectations for success be adjusted down to cradle and maintain an alliance that may have become tone deaf and shortsighted? Must we continue to be guided by indifference or can we be united by the strength of our resolve?

Politically inspired marketing and artful, crafty presentations are poor substitutes for jobs and development, no matter how entertaining they might be. How many times can the porch be repainted while the foundation caves in? The confidence must be restored. Tough love is needed! The citizens of Elyria should expect only what is best and demand even more!

Marcus Madison Elyria City Council member Theater of New York’s “Shakespeare in the Park” production of “Julius Caesar” demonstrates this seduction. We cannot, on one hand, decry Trump’s speech for inciting violence at political rallies, and on the other defend this play when it incites violence in Washington. The shooting of the congressman should make all of us reflect on where this madness leads.

In the spirit of true art, we must interpret these events for ourselves. I submit the right to freedom of expression can be used for wrong, but should not be limited. We do, however, have an obligation to use it responsibly. If we do not, we threaten the security of the very nation protecting it.

We know what became of Rome. When a society falls, everyone bears some responsibility. What will we do? Will we be deceived by propaganda masquerading as art? Will we falter, turning on each other? Will our family and friends one day turn to us and say, “Et tu, Brute?” Andrew Lipian

Elyria