Although I understand why Watertown City Manager Ken Mix would give his resignation effective at the end of this year, it’s unfortunate for our city that he will be leaving. I was hoping he’d hold off on making that decision until after the election. With different people on Council next year, including a new mayor, I believe the atmosphere will change to a more positive one.
Channel 7 News reported that when they asked why he was leaving, Mr. Mix stated: “All the negative energy on Council is making it hard to concentrate on getting important things done for the city of Watertown.”
Anyone who attends or watches the Council meetings online knows exactly what Mr. Mix is referring to. As I stated in my interview with Channel 7, “the mayor and Councilman Olney… they push each other’s buttons. They just constantly do it. I think that’s where the negativity is.”
On a positive note, as the current mayor’s term expires, one-half of the problem will be gone at the end of this year. Councilman Olney will still have two years left in his term and while there are times when I’ve had to be stern with Cliff, I still have his respect… and he has mine. No doubt Cliff Olney has opinions and at times becomes more vocal, but he always has Watertown’s best interest in mind. There are times when we have disagreed on issues, and I have voted against or tabled some of the resolutions he has requested. We can have a healthy debate and sometimes we have to agree to disagree.
Beginning next January, the current mayor’s practice of publicly chastising people will be no more. As many residents have noticed, aside from being rude and condescending, the behavior is unbecoming of the mayoral position.
Having served as President of various community service organizations, I have run meetings for many years. As Watertown’s next mayor, I look forward to bringing my knowledge and skills to Council meetings. Members of Council as well as residents deserve to be treated respectfully.
Transforming the “negative energy” of the current Council that Mr. Mix refers to needs to become a priority!
Our city deserves a more experienced, qualified, and professional leader. I look forward to being that Mayor, the People’s Mayor. With a positive attitude and steady hand at the helm, I will work to restore civility and respectfulness to the position and to the city of Watertown.