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While I give Mr. Riviere credit for facing the crowd on Tuesday, I simply find him to be overbearing and egotistical. His quote in this article proves this.

If it is true that Ms. Litzan has been working on a plan to transfer the responsibilities of the city Building Services to the County for one year, why hasn't there been any public discussion on the matter? Instead, Mr. Riviere compliments himself for holding a public meeting on short notice and getting a full room. It appears he sees that as a success. Instead it is a failure because the room was not filled with people happy to be included in policy dialogue, it was filled with people so angry with his decision that we dropped everything to attend.

Mr. Riviere displays a pattern of releasing news about staff and city changes on Friday afternoons. With the building services, on a Friday before a 3-day weekend. His "Wall St." strategy for releasing what some may consider as bad news late on Fridays so it can be lost or tempered over the weekend break, has failed this time. People are angry. His Monday morning quarterbacking on raising fees to support costs associated with building services expenses is a "Jimmy come lately" approach. He should have held that discussion with island contractors months ago because it is clear his actions have been deliberate and carried out in the shade.

Wtiohut the "Firestorm" his arrogance would prevent any opportunity for reconsideration.

His accusation that inspectors are "buddy, buddy" with contractors is an instult to the many highly competent contractors who work on Marco Island and an insult to dedicated and competent city employees. It makes you wonder how he feels about the rest of the City staff since he so freely makes condescending remarks about the inspectors? The Eagle should investigate who Mr. Riviere is "buddy, buddy" with and perhaps it will explain some of his decisions.

Sadly, I feel it is time for City Council to search for a new City Manager. One who truly practices collaboration, works in the sunshine, appreciates our island community and who respects the authority that comes with their position.

I still believe Marco Island is better because it is a City. I don't feel Mr. Riviere shares this belief. If he did, he would have a higher value for the opinions of residents and the work of his staff.