Monday 8-04

We welcome new Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff to town today. I've already put together a "to do" list for him.

1--Go over the city budget with a fine-toothed comb. Find some areas to cut spending and put that savings toward the elimination of annoying fees for what should be basic services--and put enough in the winter maintanence budget to plow all streets after all snowstorms so I don't have to do "Two Cents" features about my street turning into a skating rink again this winter.

2--Lower expectations for the Marion Road redevelopment area. Start talking about smaller, more economically viable projects that should be considered in the future. Sound like my parents by telling the Council "something is better than nothing--and that's what you'll get if you keep complaining".

3--Beef up the City Manager's report at Common Council meetings. Don't just list street closure requests like your predecessor did. Give us some actual dirt on what's happening at City Hall--like what expensive piece of machinery broke down and has to be replaced or what department head is losing his or her job.

4--Join Bob Burnell once a month on the Morning News Focus to update the community on what's going on around town. I know the folks at Channel Ten will tell you the City Managers show reaches everyone--but I can guarantee you'll get more exposure here.

Once Mr Rohloff completes these assignments--I'll have a brand new list for him.