Comments on: Talks began in December regarding finding a new city manager

By: Crosscheck

Crosscheck — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:38:44 +0000

So its okay for Starboard to hire a Planning Director with whom he has a personal relationship as a direct suborbinate? Lets talk about ethics.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:34:50 +0000

Be aware that I’ve left previous messages and the moderator on this site appears to be picking and choosing what they want on the site. Does that fact that I strongly disagree with the ethics of this council keep my remarks from getting on the comment section? I hope not, but if so, we can start commenting on other (larger) newspapers.

By: SalmonFisher

SalmonFisher — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:20:55 +0000

An airing of views is good. But polarization is not helpful. No one, not even supporters of Starbard, think “by all accounts he was a good city manager”. You could argue his talents outweighed his deficiencies. But anyone involved and aware recognized his shortcomings with people and relationsips with virtually every organization and entity inside and outside the city. It came up repeatedly and often in indefensible and sadly embarrassing ways for our city.

I know some of you commenting know that too.

There’s an opening on the parks Commission. And you even get to know about it before it’s filled. That’s new. Get involved for crying out loud.

By: Robin Bentley

Robin Bentley — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:13:53 +0000

I’m encouraged by this airing of views. The actions of the City Council completely violated the appearance of fairness doctrine. I agree with Ryan Ryals, above, and others who are appalled at the treatment of John Starbard, who by all accounts was a good City Manager. Newcastle, you owe him a huge apology.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:32:30 +0000

Why are the comments being moderated in this forum? Is the newspaper picking and choosing which comments they want to add?

By: Gary Adams

Gary Adams — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:07:24 +0000

For anyone interested, there are more comments/discussion regarding this issue in the comments section of the BREAKING NEWS – Council fires….store.

By: Julie Fox

Julie Fox — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:28:39 +0000

I’m appauled at this unethical and unwarranted move by (most of) the city council. They get a vote of no confidence from me. Hang in there
Sonny Putter, be our voice of reason until the next election.

By: Cris Wisner

Cris Wisner — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:50:40 +0000

Really? A casual meeting in December after you have been elected but not sworn in. It my be within the law but it sure stinks. Was John Starbard that bad that everyone knew about it and these council-elect members knew something had to be done quickly? Unless they were at City Hall regularly how would they know? Four contributors of $500 and Wyman was one of them. Come on council, this is not even good sneeky work. I need to research my voting choices better next time.

At least one of my candidates I voted for has shown come conviction, thanks Sonny.

By: M.D.

M.D. — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:30:47 +0000

It’s only this new council’s first month! Imagine what they can do in four more years! We are all screwed if they are doing back door deals already. We should be calling for their resignations!

This is appalling. Many of us knew this was coming because last November NEWCASTLE VOTERS LET A SMALL BAND OF REBELS WITH EGOS THE SIZE OF TEXAS into office. You get what you vote in! What was this city thinking???

This city is going to be in huge trouble. These people, the “six” of the seven council members who are connected at the hip and will vote the same on whatever Erxleben and Dulcich want, will continue to make sweeping changes that will damage this city. And in ways that cannot be undone later.

The fact they ran on being “purely transparent” and would scream at council meetings that the former council wasn’t “open” enough for the public to share and provide input….and they go and pull this? Bringing in Dulcich’s top campaign contributor? Without ANY option for the public to discuss it or allow the public to weigh in? Sounds like we have Pelosi and Reed running our city. It may be “legal” but it doesn’t make it right.

Now we see the what I feared would happen. The “back room” bullies are in office. It’s the Erxleben, Dulcich and Crispo show now. And Carol Simpson, Lisa Jensen and Buri will follow them like puppy dogs. Even to their own future political demise. Newcastle WILL wake up. And when they do, it’ll be time to vote better next time.

By: Gary Adams

Gary Adams — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:27:54 +0000

FYI…for anyone interested please check the Newcastle News article of Dec. 31 regarding the appointment of Karin Blakley. Councilmembers Jensen and Buri are both quoted commenting on the “very fast” appointment. Kinda funny they didn’t exhibit that same concern regarding the CM removal and appointment of his replacement.