Having It Both Ways

More on this during the week, but Mayor Dan Mylott's approach to the council's salary freeze for DPW workers doesn't make much sense.

Last week, after the council turned down the trash fee to create a need to slash another $760,000 out of the budget, Mylott said he wouldn't make any more cuts, and it would be up to the council to make the cuts.

So the council cut raises for DPW employees yesterday. Councilors say the contract wasn't finished, and there's no money. Mylott said he'd challenge the cuts and was critical of the move.

He can't have it both ways. If you're going to pass on making your own cuts, and demand the council do it, you can't really be too critical of the cuts, can you? For those who think Mylott is playing politics with the budget, and trying to shift blame on the council, here's Example Number 1.

Also, the council cut Robert Pontbriand, the mayor's assistant yesterday. Mylott was steamed that the council made the move after Mylott and Pontbriand left the meeting. If that's the case, that's a pretty uncool move by the council. Don't nail a guy behind his back. However, it seems like a place Mylott should have considered cutting himself. In his words, the city is facing an "unprecedented fiscal crisis." Shouldn't have shown some leadership and taken a big hit in his office?

More budget stuff this week. More on the horrific Library situation here before Wednesday's meeting. Let the games continue.