George,

A couple of things have been bothering me lately.

1) The $6.6 million computer system. I would like a good explanation of what is going on. I don't think I can be accused of being politically motivated. This project has been going on for years but the first I heard about it was when Moore wrote his letter to the editor. The rest of my information on the issue has come from the Hook. I know quite a bit about this area. I have worked for a consulting company that installed computerized information systems and have worked for several companies where I was deeply involved in the selection and installation of these systems. Something just doesn't sound right here. It is ridiculous to say we could replace the current system for $300,000 but getting a system from SAP for $6.6 million seems to be overkill. Also the fact that the consulting company said that they had to keep their pricing confidential smells bad right up front and flies in the face of an open government working in the public's eye. What is the consulting company trying to hide? That they have a fat deal? I rarely find myself in agreement with Rob Schilling but he is absolutely right when he says that this deal damages the public trust of city government. City Council needs to make a full and honest disclosure to the public. If they put on another farce like they did with the transit station justification they will lose my trust, confidence, and support.

2) Keeping the public informed. Ever since I have taken an active interest in what is happening in our city (about 18 years ago) I have found it hard to know what is going on and usually by the time I find out what is going on it is already a done deal. My neighborhood association was started partially to keep tabs on the city so they wouldn't slip anything by us that affected our neighborhood. Democrats for change was a reaction to unresponsiveness of city council to requests for information or public input. I read the Progress, Hook, and C'ville. I check out your website. I also check out City's which is usually hype and fluff. I am on the email list for the Zoning meetings. I watch the City Council meetings on TV. I still don't know what is going on. I can't go to all the meetings. I don't have time and most of the meetings are doing the day when I work. I know more about what is going on Richmond from Mitch than I do from the City. These are honest, hardworking, intelligent people. They have nothing to hide. Why do they not let the people know what is going on? How come I never knew about the RFP for the computer system? How come I didn't see a summary of the competing bids? It only breeds distrust. The old explanation that they make the information available just doesn't cut it with me. If it is available it is available in such a manner that an average citizen can't get it. In the age of email there is no excuse.

3) Property taxes. There is going to a Proposition 13 type revolt. My taxes went up 33% recently. I hope to live another 30 years and don't plan to move. That may not be possible with the way taxes are going up. I would like to leave my house to one of my sons to live in but they might not be able to afford the taxes either. Soon only multi millionaires and welfare recipients will be able to live in Charlottesville. The soaring property taxes combined with $6.6 million computers systems, millions of dollars in consulting fees, and the failure of city government to present full and honest disclosure is enough to make we want to start a 3rd party or maybe even vote republican.

I feel better now. Thanks,

Downing Smith (electronic mail, June 7, 2004)