normal's Blog

As Mayor Franklin continues to cut services and jobs to balance the budget. I again refer those affected and who are truly interested to do OPEN RECORDS. Check and review the outrageous increases she granted to the Police Chief, Director of Water Management, etc.  All of which, as reported on the news stations, were increases over $125,000 a year for each.  Check and review why councilpersons make $30,000 a year with a $30,000 a year expense account. Check on the income and number of staff members utilized to support the Mayor and Council.  Check on the trips and other "perks" exercised by these members.

I do not think it is unreasonable to assume the Mayor should have the knowledge to perform and fullfill a balanced budget before spending monies that are not available. Recently, the Mayor purchased papers written by the Rev. King in the amount of $80,000.  I would have thought the family would have donated these documents. But, as this was not the case, the Mayor should have not spent monies in this area or any other relative areas and then release city workers for lack of funds.

You should also question as to why upper management salaries and perks are not decreased in order to help bring the financial problems into line and thereby reducing the impact to release workers.  It looks like the financial pie can only support upper level management -- too many chiefs and not enough essential workers.

Budgetary matters are suppose to be balanced and approved prior to any spending. Now some residents face losing essential, necessary public safety services and workers are losing their employment due to the ineptness of those in office.

The operational running of the City of Atlanta has been a joke for at least 30 years. So why stop now!!!

Residents of Atlanta you should be able to expect those elected to any office have the intellect, skills, and abilities to operate, manage administratively and financially, the everyday business of the City.  YOU SHOULD EXPECT NO LESS.

Frustration at the end of a crisis does little good -- do your homework and make real changes.