Letter: City should finish what it starts

I am writing this letter in reference to our supposed “crown jewel” of Clarendon – East Fourth Street. I was curious to know if by chance our city administrator could explain to us why it is not being properly maintained with gravel to seal it off. It is a joke to waste the manpower and money to not to maintain this after having gone to both the trouble and expense to do so. It is in worse shape now than it was before this little project even began.

If the street project coming up is going to be handled in the same way, it will also be a tremendous waste of time, money, and effort. A contractor should start and finish the job so somebody will be liable. We might not be able to do as many streets but to be done correctly is what should matter.
I recall also that the board stated that when the “Zipper” was purchased that they were ready to see it running. What a waste of money this has been. No more than this piece of equipment has been used, it would have been more efficient to rent it.

Speaking directly to the city administrator, I would like to inquire as to what job you have completed since you took the position with the City of Clarendon? The solution to our water problem, as far as you are concerned, is to flush the fire hydrants when we are in the middle of a drought. I specifically recall you coming to my house on a Saturday to see the waste water that was coming into my tub. I asked you to see the water sample that you took that day. I never got to see it because you never sent it. I think you were probably afraid of the results. That has been almost one year ago, and I have been complaining for four years. I am not alone on this issue.

We need to finish the projects we have started before even thinking of beginning a new one. I encourage more people to voice their opinion on the street issues. Everyone wants to see our town look good and to thrive, but it can’t happen on the path we are headed. We have some very talented city employees but, but they can only do what they are allowed to do. We need to see better results for the cost of the streets, and we certainly have the capabilities in house to fix the problems.

Billy Chadwick,
Clarendon