Letters to the Editors

It's time to bring some stability to Crystal River

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 19, 2000

Editor: It is unfortunate the city of Crystal River is again embroiled in another controversy that, in all probability, will result in yet another city manager, staff resignations and council turnover at election time.

This latest fiasco has to do with problems associated with the purchase and poor performance of computer software during the latter stage of the prior regime's reign. Regardless of the reason this particular software was chosen, or by whom, it is obvious that insufficient system checkout and personnel training was performed.

Application software vendors routinely market their products as mature, proven systems when in fact the final version is usually developed in the field by the customer. For that reason no software package should be accepted and paid for until extensive successful parallel processing is performed in conjunction with the system being replaced. Purchase agreement should always be contingent on completing performance milestones and also should include penalty clauses for costs incurred at no fault of the customer.

Of course, this is a big deal now down at City Hall, and a lot of time, energy and money is being thrown at it. But I can assure you that after having spent most of my professional career as a computer victim, it will be resolved eventually. Then another crisis will come along to replace it. Chaos is the distinguishing characteristic of an organization lacking stability.

There is a growing perception that because of the problems being experienced in the financial arena of the city, the majority of the council is withholding judgment on the city manager and in fact are considering his termination. While I believe they are going to run him off, I question that the finance department dilemma is the real reason.

After having observed Crystal River politics since moving here in 1989, I am reminded of the character on the old Dukes of Hazzard TV program, Boss Hogg. As you may recall, Boss Hogg was always devising schemes under the guise of benefiting the citizens, but instead they were designed for personal gain. In reflecting on all the people changes that have taken place here over the past 10 years, I am convinced it could not have just happened that way without some very strong outside influence. We must have our own Boss Hogg.

If there is such a person, he should stand back and take an objective look at all the harm done to the city of Crystal River by continuing to pull strings where possible at City Hall. Boss, give it up and give others a chance to see if a stable government for all the people of Crystal River can be established.
-- Tommy Outlaw,Crystal River

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