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■ 01 January 2010 | 5:00 AM

Hold Wright to his word

The Pilot reported that Norfolk City Councilman Randy Wright is pushing city officials to spend $2.4 million of taxpayers' money to purchase the old Ramada Inn in Ocean View.

In addition, the light rail project, shepherded by Wright, is running as much as 41 percent over budget. The city has already spent $54 million on the project and will legally be responsible for the other $18 million to $20 million.

Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot stated, 'We cannot put this cost back on the taxpayers.' Sorry to tell you, but it's too late.

Already, Norfolk faces a $39 million shortfall in next year's budget. First responders and education will be cut 3 percent. Deputies and courthouse services will be cut. Flooding? Code enforcement? City Manager Regina Williams stated, 'Taxpayers will see reductions in services and increases in user fees when the new budget begins July 1.'

On the light rail issue, Wright said, 'people need to be held accountable for what has transpired, and I won't go any further than that.'

Norfolk voters can hold people accountable by voting for change on May 4, 2010. I am running for the City Council to help facilitate those changes.

Tommy Smigiel
Norfolk
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