The problem in two words, Mayor Zolman. Sebastopol's City Charter vests most decision-making in the City Manager, not the Mayor or individual council members. The Mayor appears to want more power and to be the spokesperson for the City. I observed him and the former Mayor knee-capping the City Manager from the beginning. Why? Ask Mayor Zollman. Mr. Schwartz helped develop a plan to pull the City out of the financial mess, which the Council created, and then supported the plan. Perhaps this is the reward in Sebastopol for doing a commendable job.
I can't believe the City Council thinks the citizens of Sebastopol will pay $183,750 in severance and not expect an explanation. We just voted to tax ourselves again to help get out of our financial mess, and then the Council gives away a huge chunk of money and gets nothing in return—not even an explanation. Shame. It's time for the Citizens to consider more changes in our local government.
Very well said. And why do I have a "funny feeling", mostly because of Zollman's foolish stance on "Mayor as spokesperson", that Zollman was the "lead'" on this termination action. And what does it say that the two "veterans' on the City Council (Hinton and Maurer) voted against the termination?
I just read Ernie Carpenter's comment. And if a Sebastopol savvy veteran like Ernie Carpenter (former Sonoma County Supervisor) is 'agin it', I'm with Ernie.
I heartily agree with all the comments below! And I think the Sebastopol Times does an excellent job for us and I hope people who agree will subscribe.
Mayor Zolman you owe us some answers. Something is fishy in the city of Sebastopol! Why are our tax dollars going to waste hiring and yes, firing, someone who’s going a good job?
The problem in two words, Mayor Zolman. Sebastopol's City Charter vests most decision-making in the City Manager, not the Mayor or individual council members. The Mayor appears to want more power and to be the spokesperson for the City. I observed him and the former Mayor knee-capping the City Manager from the beginning. Why? Ask Mayor Zollman. Mr. Schwartz helped develop a plan to pull the City out of the financial mess, which the Council created, and then supported the plan. Perhaps this is the reward in Sebastopol for doing a commendable job.
I agree Ernie. The council is squandering our money; more than $200k for Zolman's ridiculous ego trip.
An excellent list of questions that should be answered.
I can't believe the City Council thinks the citizens of Sebastopol will pay $183,750 in severance and not expect an explanation. We just voted to tax ourselves again to help get out of our financial mess, and then the Council gives away a huge chunk of money and gets nothing in return—not even an explanation. Shame. It's time for the Citizens to consider more changes in our local government.
Well said. All these secret decisions that affect all of us need to be answered. We are paying the bills. We need the truth. Thank you.
Very well said. And why do I have a "funny feeling", mostly because of Zollman's foolish stance on "Mayor as spokesperson", that Zollman was the "lead'" on this termination action. And what does it say that the two "veterans' on the City Council (Hinton and Maurer) voted against the termination?
I just read Ernie Carpenter's comment. And if a Sebastopol savvy veteran like Ernie Carpenter (former Sonoma County Supervisor) is 'agin it', I'm with Ernie.
I have the same funny feeling, Walter.
I heartily agree with all the comments below! And I think the Sebastopol Times does an excellent job for us and I hope people who agree will subscribe.
Mayor Zolman you owe us some answers. Something is fishy in the city of Sebastopol! Why are our tax dollars going to waste hiring and yes, firing, someone who’s going a good job?
I agree with the article and I think we all should personally contact the city council and let them know we want answers and an explanation.
Thank you for your insightful and honest reporting Dale! 10 reviews in 15 months? Who needs a job like that?
Yeesh, how can you get any work done when you have a performance review every 44 days!
Mr Carpenter is right
Thanks for asking the right questions, and for not accepting the lawyer/bureaucrat non-answers.
The article in the Press Democrat did mention the press policy. I know how I am going to vote in the next election. Zolman has to go.
Spot on, Dale.
Good questions
Agree with Ernie in large part, but perhaps we are mistaking a symptom for the problem. Keep asking questions, we appreciate your diligence.
Good comments.
Good questions, Dale. Hope City leaders read your missive and respond.