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4/23/2007
Neenah talks back
I did a piece last week asking “Just what is with the Neenah Police Department?” Mayor George Scherck wrote to say “I thought you might be interested in the answer.” His response is below.
Recent controversies in Neenah have led to more criticism than I can remember. It must be noted that the recent controversy was created because Neenah’s elected officials openly sought an independent review of the police department’s management and operations and made certain that the entire process was communicated clearly to the public. This openness has led to an abundance of negative media attention, but it also has established a sound basis for change and reinforces our commitment to conduct the public’s business in public.
The controversy has placed a cloud over the many significant changes that continue to improve every corner of our community. $51 million in new construction last year, an incredible new Oak St. Bridge, new industrial expansion, two major new housing projects, a thriving downtown, commercial expansion at Westowne, the completion of the water plant under budget and the Cecil St. overpass that is targeted for completion by the end of the year. Next we turn our attention to improving the traffic flow on Green Bay Road and Winneconne Avenue. In addition, we have planned 69 residential street projects.
The remodeling of the Whiting Boathouse and a new shelter at Memorial Park furthers our focus on the recreational needs of our community. The generosity of Neenah citizens financed the Plexus Rocket at Riverside and our spirit of volunteerism led to a community build this week to construct the project that will serve countless generations of our children.
Neenah continues to rank in the top 15% in the nation with a bond rating of AA2, rank 26th out of the largest 44 cities in tax rate, and 144th in tax burden. We continue with strong fund balances in reserve, have experienced record high new construction totals since 2002 and have held the line on taxes.
That's a little sample of what's with Neenah.
Never in the history of this community has there been more avenues for communication on every issue. I write a quarterly newsletter and a website column, tape a monthly radio Viewpoints, host an annual "town meeting", and have scheduled an open forum before every single meeting. We hold informational sessions on major construction projects while in the planning stage as well as public hearings once the project is being considered for adoption. This month I will add, to my open door policy and regularly scheduled open office hours, a Meet the Mayor opportunity at the public library to allow citizens to join me for a cup of coffee and an informal visit about their concerns.
Every action we have taken concerning the Police Department controversy has been completely public, discussed in open session, with all proposals as well as implementation progress placed on the internet. In addition to the RMA study recommendations, in October of 2006, I presented the police department with 13 management objectives only one of which is the implementation of the RMA report recommendations. While these are internal personnel management objectives, utilized by me with every department, I released these in open session to the Public Services and Safety Committee and placed them on the intranet as well. Progress in meeting these objectives is also part of the public domain.
In 30 years of public service, I have consistently said exactly what I think, and have acted based on what I have said. Our message during this entire episode has been that we will examine openly every aspect of the police department (as well as every other department). Areas of weakness will be consistently changed and improved with regular reports to the public to judge if our actions match our words. Furthermore, I have made it publicly clear that no one is above the law and that any allegations of wrongdoing will be examined fully.
The leadership you ask for is not taking public opinion polls, reading blogs and reacting to letters to the editor. Leadership is all about accepting responsibility, correcting areas of weakness, focusing on practical strategies for improvement and above all doing what is right.
You are right-the buck does stop here, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
George Scherck was first elected mayor of Neenah, WI in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.
COMMENTS
Good for Mayor Scherck! Perhaps the reason that we are all SO tired of this Neenah fuss is that the POST CRESCENT has made us so. Maybe the PC should let the man lead.
Hmmm. Let the man lead. Good. Got your point. JE
(Mon Apr 23 08:25:47 2007)
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