Report Inappropriate Comments

The WSA in its current management structure that is, governed by an appointed 5 member board has resulted in sewer related decisions that should have been based on ecological decisions, rather, based on political decisions.

Why didn’t the board increase assessment rates over many years to reflect the increase in sewer construction cost? Why did the board pick one section of the city to initiate projects over other areas closer to the bay that needed sewers? Why was Governor Francis Phase III project abruptly halted several years ago after the Phase II resident voiced their opposition to WSA mis-management in Phase I causing millions of dollars in debt? Could it be to save the current Ward 1 Councilman’s from losing his seat?

Many of the reasons why the assessment rates never kept up with the cost of construction on past projects is because past and current board members. These members were appointed not because of any expertise related to running a sewer system but rather whom they knew politically in the city. It was easier to incur tens of millions of dollars in debt and kick the can down the road. Where was the Mayor’s over site when all this was happening. Why was there a revolving down of WSA directions appointed by the Mayor for years?

Why is it that the rules regarding who is to serve on the sewer authority is based on recommendations from the minority party in the city? In this case the Warwick Democrat city committee chairperson sends recommendations to the mayor for three of the 5 members on the committee. The Mayor appoints the other two. How can that not cause decisions to become political?

Take a look at past and current appointed board members and the directors and the relationship to the mayor and past and present city council members and those who ran for political office and lost.

My point is this current management structure has been a complete failure yet this council sewer committee is contemplated granted these same people the authority to borrow $50 to $60 million more. Are they kidding? I wouldn’t let them run the corner lemonade stand on a 90 degree day in July.

The state enabling legislation governing the current WSA management needs to be revoked and we need to instill a new organization with the expertise to manage the authority in a transparent, effective manner before any new money is provided and new projects authorized.

Sadly that thought process doesn't seem to be on the radar of this committee.

From: An opportunity to reduce sewage pollution of the Bay

Please explain the inappropriate content below.