February 1, 2010
I was writing in response to the postings regarding Greg Evangelatos. I was just as surprised as anyone to find out about these raises. However I know Mr Evangelatos well enough to know that he would not give out raises to people without some very well thought out reasons.
I am not saying in this case that he was 100 percent correct in his assumptions. In fact in light of the flap currently raised, he probably have handled this situation quite differently.
In the up-coming City Council meeting I see that the Evaluation of the City Manager is on the Agenda. I strongly believe that Mr Evangelatos should be retained. He has done an admirable job in light that his budget and number of employees under his watch has been drastically cut. I believe that Mr Evangelatos is the right person for the task that remains even after the recent gaffe with the raises.
I believe that heart of this issue lies in what Mr Parsons, perhaps the strongest critic of Mr Evangelatos at the last meeting had to say. He raised the question of whether or not the raises that Mr Evangelatos had given could be undone.
The question of the future and stern looks from all the City Council also raises the possiblity of who besides Mr Evangelatos would be best qualified to lead the city out of its present financial morass. Simply put despite Mr Evangelatos perceived wrong move, making a switch in the middle of the stream would also be a wrong move. Bringing in a new City Manager only puts us further behind grappling for answers while the new City Manager gets acclimated to our current problems and his new job.
In keeping Mr Evangelatos in itself presents risks, I am sure. If retained this will not be his only mistake going forward. No one is perfect. All I am saying is that I really believe Mr Evangelatos is the right person to be the City Manager. He has for the most part gotten us to our best current position. If retained I know that Mr Evagelatos will strive daily to keep the city progressing and if shown mercy in this situation he will awaken every day with a better understanding of the tremendous opportunity and need to do his best in the fishbowl he occupies.
Ike Hoashi
