I've finally figured out how to follow the Red Sox game pitch by pitch, which makes all of this much more tolerable.
The moderators vanished into a back room 15 minutes ago. They haven't been since. I'd go look for them, except I figure Bob Montgomery can take care of himself.
Meantime, the Red Sox are still up 4-0 in the bottom of the 6th inning.
Finally, we're back again.
Fortier said they had to combine some questions. There are nine in all.
Q: Town manager?
Art Ward said the issue will go to the charter commission at its October 23 hearing. He said it will investigate the pros and cons of the idea. "I actually would prefer that we stay where we are," Ward said. He said the city has worked well for the past 14 years that he's witnessed.
He said there may be alternatives. "It's well worth looking into," Ward said.
Ken Johnson said he disagrees with sticking with the present system. He said the city needs a manager and a 9-member City Council. He also wants four-year terms for mayors and councilors.
The city, Johnson said, is a corporation with a $165 million budget. Private businesses of that size have a CFO. As is, it is "impossible" for the mayor to oversee 2,000 employees and serving all the ceremonial duties, chairing a number of committees and more. "It is unreasonable for any person to do that job and do it well," Johnson said.
He said he is willing to discuss it. At the end of the day, the voters will decide.
But, Johnson said, he'll be pushing his ideas. He said a larger council will put more ideas on the table and offer more diversity.
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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