By
Jack Mitchell
With a tighter economy - alright, a lousy economy, I suppose it's natural to begin reflecting on what has occurred and to pass judgment on who is to blame for all the money issues - just who is doing their job?
I have to say I never understood the path California, its counties and its cities have taken with many of their decisions, down to the very set-up of their systems. I wasn't used to a board of supervisors, or for that matter police chiefs who also are the city managers, as is the case in Sutter Creek with Rob Duke. Which brings me to today's soap box speech.
I've been hearing a lot of conversations about Rob Duke with regards to the jobs he performs for Sutter Creek. At the risk of embarrassing Duke, I think it's time someone stood up and said a few things publicly, as opposed to the slimy back room meetings some of you seem to prefer.
Were assumptions made when the economy was swinging full speed? Yes. Were mistakes made based on the reality of the time? Yes. Duke, along with so many cities and businesses, would agree to that openly. Can anyone say that they wouldn't have done things differently, knowing how the economy is today?
Some accusations that really have me fired up are statements that Duke hasn't done his job when it comes to city planning or that he ditched regional planning with the Amador Regional Sanitation Agency, or that he isn't qualified to be both the chief of police and the city manager for Sutter Creek.
It's funny how individuals against city council decisions have decided to turn Duke's employment into personal attacks.
Duke is one of the most qualified city managers with a Master's and Ph.D. in public administration. He didn't abandon regional planning with ARSA. The city council and ARSA felt Sutter Creek was better served pursuing both local and regional plans to find solutions for Sutter Creek's rapidly aging systems.
For all my rantings and ravings over what is wrong in government, what elected officials and hired officials need to do is exactly what Duke is good at. He continues to bring new ideas and solutions to Sutter Creek and its city council, as well as performing duties far beyond what is necessary. My only hope is that the rest of the Duke supporters in Sutter Creek can bring about an end to the unjust backstabbing that is going on.
| A Business Decision |
| No one is questioning the character or integrity of Chief Duke. I have met him and spoke to him on numerous occasions. That was never an issue with the comments, some a bit nasty, regarding the recent rash of thefts. You can send our officers to the most expensive and intensive training known to man, but without practice, the training eventually fades and becomes a waste. The bottom line is that the calls in our city do not justify the cost of maintaining the department. Divide the total calls that actually occur in our city. DO NOT include all the activity our officers generate up on ridge road and further into the county. How many of you have seen our cars way, way outside out city stopping cars? Divide those calls by the annual cost in the budget and I think you will then realize how much it costs to call an officer to our door. It is gastly prohibitive. This is a business decision, not a personality decision. In these financial times, with the bypass in place, maintaining a police department seems an expense we can not afford. Please consider the facts, Jack, and not the emotion. Thank you |
| - fred Q (12/17/2009 1:05:38 PM) |
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| Rob Duke |
I would like to take a moment to commend Mr. Duke for his historic preservation efforts in Sutter Creek. During my time on the board for the Knight Foundry Corporation, he showed a willingness to go above and beyond what I would have expected of most individuals. His strategies to preserve the foundry were always intelligent and insightful. Without his assistance, in the face of repeated difficulties, Sutter Creek, and the Amador County as a whole, would not be where it is today in its attempts to preserve the foundry. Kudos to Rob Duke--Sutter Creek is lucky to have you.
Kimberly Wooten |
| - Kimberly Wooten (12/16/2009 3:35:23 PM) |
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| Rob Duke |
Our community is a MUCH better place BECAUSE of Rob Duke.
He is a remarkable individual and needs to be commended for his hard work, praised for his good morals and family values. He is a honest man who loves the community that he serves and all that it represents.
Thank you Rob for all you have accomplished, past, present and future.
You and your family are very much loved and appreciated for all you do for Sutter Creek.
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| - Shelley Scott & Family (12/13/2009 12:37:42 AM) |
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| Rob Duke |
| I agree, I would have to say the our Chief of Police is one of the kindest and down to earth men I have had the opportunity to come in contact with. He takes his job seriously and does it with diligence. How many Chiefs of Police have there home phone number listed in the phone book? Ours does, and that says more than I can say. You see him at all the City functions, and he is always there to lend a hand. He is more than the Chief of Police, he is a father and a husband, and I consider him a friend. And like the previous article says, about the snow storm, He was in Town helping and taking care of business as usual. I am proud to know Mr.Rob Duke. |
| - Steve Felter (12/12/2009 2:01:58 AM) |
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| Rob Duke |
I cannot say enough kind words about Rob Duke. I think we are extremely lucky to have him here in Sutter Creek, and hope that will continue to be the case for many years to come. And on that note, who did I see out first thing Monday morning (snow storm) on my icy hilly street but Rob? Just reassures me he has things well in hand.
Thank you Jack for this posting. |
| - Mary Petrone (12/11/2009 3:39:55 PM) |
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