THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 28, 1995 TAG: 9510270029
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
I have been a resident of Chesapeake all my life, and I have never been as disappointed in a group of so-called ``leaders'' as I am with our present City Council. They exhibited the worst kind of unprofessionalism I have seen in a long time when they ``terminated'' Jim Rein as city manager with no warning except to the local media. Who is Councilman Nance kidding? He does not have the interest of Chesapeake at heart. Could he be eyeing the mayor's job next?
Maybe it was time for Mr. Rein to move on, but he shouldn't be blamed him for the water problems in this city. He works for City Council, so put the blame where it belongs.
Mr. Rein has been a loyal and faithful employee for 25 years and did not deserve to be relieved of his position the way the council chose to do it. He has not always worked under favorable conditions either.
If council felt the need to dismiss Mr. Rein, it should have been handled discreetly, allowing Mr. Rein the opportunity to resign and leave with dignity.
But he does leave with dignity. It's the council that does not display dignity. The actions of the members of council are an embarrassment to the city of Chesapeake, and I would not vote or support any one of them, including the one running for the next election.
To propose giving the citizens a rebate on their water bill doesn't make a lot of sense. It won't make the water better, and the most anyone would get back wouldn't buy a cup of salty coffee. I'm glad that was defeated.
JENNIE DRAPER
Chesapeake, Oct. 20, 1995 by CNB