The next step: Time has come for closer look at payroll, radio system

When you have a problem, there are two ways to approach it.

You can point fingers, listen to amateur analysis and tell people why you "think" something did not work.

Or, you can review the facts, look at the nuts and bolts and the entire process from start to finish to figure out how to avoid the mistakes that were made as you move forward with a solution to the problem.

The first answer gets you lots of long meetings and drama as well as anecdotal evidence and half-truths from those looking to protect their own interests.

The second gets you a situation that makes sure the same expensive errors do not happen again -- no matter who is in charge.

The time has come for some real answers about the payroll system and the radio system. And to get them, the entire processes from contract to personnel implementation need to be examined closely.

And yes, the results need to be made public.

The idea is not to cast blame or to start another political snowball fight.

The goal is to make sure the payroll system and radio system are right and work.

That's the bottom line.

That's the right thing to do.

Moving forward requires knowledge and a fresh start. This kind of analysis is how you get one.

Published in Editorials on February 17, 2014 10:32 AM