marconews.com Accounts

It never ceases to amaze me how the Citizens of Marco Island are so quick to criticize the Manager and Directors of the City's government.

The City is blessed with a competent group of experienced individuals who have worked in City government for their entire careers. Again, it amazes me that the Citizens think that they can run the City better than those who have both the education and experience in doing so.

Because of their experience, they are able to respond quickly to disasters and to make decisions in the best interest of the City, quickly and with much wisdom. When Wilma hit Marco, it was almost a "non-event" because the Manager and the Directors were on top of the situation and their staff have worked hard to make sure that Marco is a secure and pleasant place to live. Granted, there have been growing pains, but that's what it takes to grow up.

Bill Harrison is one of these experienced and educated people. He has done a great job and operates an efficient department. He spearheaded the bond issues for the water and sewer initiatives, and he led many changes that have happened at Marco since he started working there in 2002. Marco was a "baby" City then; it is grown up now, and Bill helped to make that happen. The City's bond rating couldn't get any better, and there has been a clean audit opinion and few, if any, "management points" during his tenture. This man knows what he is doing.

Sure, he's not perfect, nobody is, but he deserves a lot of credit for the accomplishments of the City. Bill is very respectful of the City Manager and his fellow Directors, and he also served our Country during the Viet Nam era and now, after giving 30 years to City government, putting up with criticism in the newspaper and elsewhere, I think that the Citizens should let him go in peace, with his head held high, and he should be honored for his service. Trust me, government employees don't get rich, and he will not leave with a golden parachute. He's worked for everything he has.

Thank you, Bill, for your service, and best wishes to you in your retirement. You've earned it!