By Sue Devlin, Stevensville
Bob Michalson lacks the professionalism and leadership we should expect from a Council President. As citizens, we deserve better. Ultimately, Bob is a problem finder, not a problem solver. Or maybe Bob is just The Problem.
The Town’s January 30, 2019 council meeting provides a perfect example of his inability to prioritize the needs of our community. Michalson’s agenda items included:
Abolishing our Park Board (though he put the item on the agenda, Bob didn’t make a motion and no action was taken)
Establishing a private office and library for council members’ use (though he put the item on the agenda, Bob didn’t make a motion and no action was taken)
Abolishing all social media and ceasing videotaping and broadcasting Council meetings (no second made, motion failed)
Requiring the Chief of Police, Chief of Fire Dept, Town Clerk, all Deputy Clerks, and Finance Officer/Treasurer be residents of town (motion failed 3-1). When questioned about this particular motion, Michalson said a lot of times it is done for insurance or litigation purposes. When the mayor asked what the insurance and litigation issues might be, Michalson said “timely responses to emergencies.” Personally, I’m unclear about what types of clerical and financial emergencies our Town Clerk, all Deputy Clerks, and Finance Officer/Treasurer need to respond to in a timely fashion.
At the Council’s September 18, 2019 meeting, the council approved the purchase of four laptop computers with mouse and carrying case for each council member. “It’s time for the council to step up and treat itself to a laptop,” said Michalson. Asked where the money would come from, since it wasn’t in the budget, Bob said, “Can’t the Treasurer figure that out?”
But The Desks!!!
Less than five months later, on February 9, 2020, Bob posted on a social media site: “As a council member I am getting very concerned about the overall spending up at town hall. Some is needed. (Backhoe, excavator) but to spend $2,950.00 on ‘Varidesks’ seems overboard.” (For those unfamiliar, Varidesks are height-adjustable that allow for standing.)
So, to recap, the Mayor spending less than $3,000 on ergonomic desks for five employees to use approximately 40 hours/week (with the goal of potentially reducing sick days and worker’s compensation claims) is “concerning,” but replacing existing laptops for four council members who use them a fraction as much is appropriate and something the Treasurer should “figure out” how to pay for. I don’t think it’s the Mayor’s spending that should be a concern.
I encourage everyone to actively participate in your local government and see firsthand how Council matters are handled – attend a meeting in person, watch online from home (real-time or at your leisure), and/or read the Council Minutes from the Town’s website.