In some cases, Lawrence had not had the best people running city departments in recent years. A track record of poor accounting and dubious work practices demonstrates that.
But Lawrence Personnel Director Frank Bonet has a point when he says that constant sniping and insults from the City Council make it difficult to attract people to work for Lawrence city government or keep well-qualified people in their jobs.
Bonet lashed out at the council last week after City Councilor Joseph Parolisi complained about the difficulty in getting information from Bonet on the suspension of embattled Department of Public Works chief Frank McCann. Parolisi said trying to get information from Bonet "was like talking to three blind mice." He also said he "wouldn't want to be in a foxhole" with Bonet.
Bonet, 43, is a 15-year Army veteran and wears glasses for farsightedness.
Parolisi's comments were indeed insulting and unprofessional as Bonet claimed. Parolisi told reporter Mark E. Vogler that he has since apologized to Bonet personally and will do so publicly at the next City Council meeting Wednesday. That's commendable, but it would be better if such insults were not delivered in the first place.
Parolisi is far from the only offender in this regard. In December, City Council President Patrick Blanchette compared Mayor Michael Sullivan to Saddam Hussein, a remark for which he later apologized.
Bonet said councilors are creating a "hostile work environment" and causing the city to lose key people. Councilors have a responsibility to hold city departments accountable for their performance. But they should do so in a professional manner without insulting those trying to do difficult jobs.
But Lawrence Personnel Director Frank Bonet has a point when he says that constant sniping and insults from the City Council make it difficult to attract people to work for Lawrence city government or keep well-qualified people in their jobs.
Bonet lashed out at the council last week after City Councilor Joseph Parolisi complained about the difficulty in getting information from Bonet on the suspension of embattled Department of Public Works chief Frank McCann. Parolisi said trying to get information from Bonet "was like talking to three blind mice." He also said he "wouldn't want to be in a foxhole" with Bonet.
Bonet, 43, is a 15-year Army veteran and wears glasses for farsightedness.
Parolisi's comments were indeed insulting and unprofessional as Bonet claimed. Parolisi told reporter Mark E. Vogler that he has since apologized to Bonet personally and will do so publicly at the next City Council meeting Wednesday. That's commendable, but it would be better if such insults were not delivered in the first place.
Parolisi is far from the only offender in this regard. In December, City Council President Patrick Blanchette compared Mayor Michael Sullivan to Saddam Hussein, a remark for which he later apologized.
Bonet said councilors are creating a "hostile work environment" and causing the city to lose key people. Councilors have a responsibility to hold city departments accountable for their performance. But they should do so in a professional manner without insulting those trying to do difficult jobs.
