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12/10/2007
We (apparently) can't handle the truth!!!
Alderperson Walter Kalata responded to Friday’s FoxPolitics.net commentary on the “Perfect Storm” of failure at the Appleton water plant, with what seems to be agreement with my thoughts about the situation. And Kalata may get us a step closer to the truth. You are generally correct in some of the assumptions you make regarding the water plant. Tell us something we don't know. The point you are missing in your analysis is the fact the city council was "had" by the designers and contractors of the water project. As a former member of the city council, you are aware the work of the city is done at the committee level and with that there has to be an element of trust in the engineers and others involved since individual alderman don't have those skills. If that trust is abused, which is what I believe happened, then it's time to investigate the issue to find the wrong doers. THE PROBLEM IS, THERE ARE SOME LOCAL BIG NAMES INVOLVED AND WILL THE COUNCIL have the fortitude to step on those toes? If you were still a member of the council, would you be willing to lead the charge?
(My response – absolutely, though I know alderpersons are in a very tough position.)
A Few Good Men (The Movie)
(Jack Nicholson/Col. Jessup) You want answers?
(Tom Cruse/Kaffee) I think I’m entitled.
(JN) You want answers?
(TC) I want the truth!
(JN) You can’t handle the truth!!!
Tough situation or not, here’s the question: Is the Council working for city residents or well known contractors? It's time city residents and ratepayers know the truth about what caused the problems leading to a cool $15 or $20 million to fix problems that shouldn't be there in the first place.
COMMENTS
There were a couple of aldermen who were poised to position the City to fund an investigation into this mess. Then, a closed door session with the Appleton Common Council seemed to cool the idea, lest we spoil the effort to recover some dollars through a lawsuit. Wasn't that the idea? Wasn't the potential amount $5 mm? If that is the case, is the investigation idea simply postponed? Ultimately, shouldn't history be correctly documented here? Isn't a true picture of what happened necessary? I believe it is. Let's all put on steel-toed shoes and start stepping out. Clip your toenails folks, and prepare for turf-toe!
Dick Kendall (Mon Dec 10 09:00:11 2007)
When I discuss Appleton politics with friends the discussion always comes back to, and focuses on the "Water Plant" woes. Though it has been many years since I have contacted an alderman, I’ve written to my alderperson today to ask that a third party investigate this matter. I truly do not know what the problem is at the "Water Plant", and certainly do not know who is responsible. If many are at fault, the public must be informed and the city and Council must come up with a plan to rectify the situation. Then we need to "Move Ahead" with the business of the City.
Dale (Mon Dec 10 10:27:16 2007)
"The point you are missing in your analysis is the fact the city council was "had" by the designers and contractors of the water project."
That is a pretty serious charge.
I am a technical person, responsible for some broad and deep knowledge on computer systems and processes at my company. I report to people who do not have that knowledge - they depend on me to be honest in my evaluations and knowledge.
I provide the data, make my recommendation, they make the choices and we roll forward and live with the consequences.
From my point of view it is just as likely the technical folks supplied the City Council with data, explained the consequences .. and bad choices were made by the Council.
Which happens. I have noticed in these cases there is less 'evil machinations' and more 'honest confusion' and 'managers who can't manage'.
Brian (Mon Dec 10 10:59:46 2007)
When the heat is turned up form a committee. That way no one can be responsible. I believe that is Mayor Hanna's answer to every issue.
Just as some of the big names have said "let the truth be known". Alderman Kalata is right the City was had, but buyer beware.
It would appear this mess is from lack of reponsible management of the project or should I say the politics.
Jim Flading (Mon Dec 10 19:56:59 2007)
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