To the editor:

I would love to know if our city has a gold mine or oil well hidden in the swamp or in some secret location.

I cannot possibly believe that the upper management of Suffolk would want a 21-percent raise, when a worker in the field might receive only a small wage increase.

This is quite unnecessary when the school system is laying off workers due to the lack of money from the city budget. Our future leaders come from the school system.

It is time for the City Council to take control and not approve the proposed budget.

As I see it at this time, if they approve the budget, it is time for the City Council members and city manager to be replaced with a new council and manager.

Use a little common sense! If the budget passes, as it looks like it will, I will even run for the mayor’s job.

To the members of City Council: Do what is right for the school system and the citizens of this city.

W. Rufus Powell

Suffolk

Mr. Powell is a former member of City Council and a former vice-mayor of Suffolk.