Critics point to the financial train wreck that this Administration inherited, the refreshing leadership and tone that Mayor Cohen has brought to City Hall since his Administration took office in early December 2009. They also proclaim that Mayor Cohen should be given a chance to continue his vision and show that his leadership will bring the City back to what Annapolitans expect and deserve. .

There is no doubt that Mayor Cohen inherited a financial train wreck and has made tremendous progress at City Hall, has shown extraordinary leadership in making some tough decisions that were long overdue in the process of beginning to downsizing our City Government and its vastly over inflated budget which still has a projected structural deficit of $13+ Million. The Mayor is correct in citing that while City revenues are indisputably down, City expenses is where much of the problem exists.

During this year’s budget meetings, the City’s Finance Committee asked for help from professional auditors, and outside professionals to advise it on the proper questions and items to be focused on. A City Manager under the Council-Manager form of government as outlined in CA-09-09 would provide them this expert advice without the additional cost of outside consultants.

In concluding CA-09-09 is not about the failures of the Moyer Administration, or the early successes of the Cohen Administration, nor the far reaching possibilities of the next Administration; it is about what is best for our City and its long term management and stability. It is never good practice to design legislation that is based on an individual and/or their performance.

I support CA-09-09 and the Council-Manager form of Government, because it is what’s best for Annapolis and its future.