Oakhurst home owners association met at Dickinson Memorial Library on Wednesday night, September 2nd. The invited guests were the city manager and candidate for council Mr. Bill Crippen. Mr. Murray brought an entourage of city employees. Mr. Crippen brought his ears.
Mr. Murray began the meeting by insisting that Mr. Crippen not be allowed to participate in the meeting. It was a fine example of Mr. Murray’s insensitivity to citizens. Mr. Crippen sat in the audience and listened to the citizens concerns, speaking to those that stayed throughout the meeting after it was over.
The Oakhurst citizens have concerns about their erratic water bills and the response that have been received from Orange City about their documented inconsistancies in billing. When it became apparent that no one from the city, the manager or his entourage, were interested in responding to or investigating their concerns more than half of those present went home, leaving in mass exodus in consternation.
The remaining people were treated poorly and talked down to by Mr. Murray. Mr. Paul Johnson, Public works department, did his best to discuss the problems of reducing water use and offering equipment ideas that might reduce water use.
The Oakhurst Homeowners left the meeting convinced that Mr. Murray does not listen or care. It seems that as far as their water problems are concerns the city manager is all wet.
The only one all wet is Hugh Strickland. Mr. Strickland seems bent on doing nothing but finding fault with the City Manager. This is quite evident by the number of blogs attacking the City Manger.
Mr. Crippen is a candidate for the upcoming election and should not have been allowed to speak on the problem. He is not an elected council member and not an employee of the city. His only reason for being there was to politic and to gain support for his candidacy.
It appears that Mr. Strickland is using this blog and his column at The Beacon to further his and his brother’s (Mayor Harley Strickland) desire to control the outcome of Orange City elections. It causes one to wonder what the Strickland’s have as their ultimate goal for Orange City. I would suspect a weak City Manager form or government or no City Manager at all would suit these two.
Tony Yebba
Dear Tony,
Thanks for your opinion. The Oakhurst HOA invited Mr. Crippen to speak and be present because it was their meeting. The city manager is unable to serve the public without making them upset and that is a real failure in constitution and perhaps training.
I want a city manager that has a degree and is prepared by training, constitution and experience to invovle as many people as possible in the governance of Orange City. I have been surprised that you have not been involved since your defeat by the voters and hope you will enter the market palace of ideas once again.
Being angry and pouting never got anything good done.
Mr. Strickland,
I know many people with a college degree who are dumber than a bag of rocks. For over 20 years I have worked with engineers who are completely clueless. I will take someone with Mr. Murray’s experience over a college degree any day.
Mr. Yebba.
Had you and Mr.Erwin listened to complaints from residents you would probably still be in office. You chose the arrogant approach and you were kicked to the curb. Don’t be angry , you have only yourself to blame.
Mr. Strickland, and Mr. Gregory,
I am not angry and definitely beyond pouting. Arrogant? Mr. Gregory, that is so far from the truth. You obviously do not know me or my personality. I know that my post came across as being angry. Knowing Orange City politics from years past, I had a strong opinion about Mr. Crippen being at the meeting even if invited by the residents. I do not wish to dwell upon it any longer as it is now past.
Believe me, I am enjoying my retirement from politics. I felt that Mayor Strickland did not need me or others looking over his shoulder as he settled into the Mayor’s seat.
After 18 years of service to Orange City, I cannot keep from being concerned about the future of Orange City. I agree with you Mr. Gregory, a degree does not always mean you have the best person in the job. Years of successful experience is often a better indicator of future performance. However, as Hugh has stated it is a combination of many skills that should be considered when the search begins.
Tony Yebba
Former Mayor and hopefully not considered arrogant…..