The secret is now out \u2013 \u201cThe Addison Way,\u201d which for decades has been the guidepost of our Town, has been redefined by the current Mayor and Council as \u201cOur way or the highway,\u201d as evidenced by the abrupt departure of Ms. Lea Dunn on March 28th \u2013 see Dallas Morning News, Sunday, March 29, 2015, \u201cFireworks erupt at Addison council meeting over severance for city manager.\u201d Based on this very public spectacle, it\u2019s fair to say that our citizens, business owners and operators, and remaining Town of Addison employees at all levels – executives, managers, professionals, and line employees – are wondering, \u201cwho\u2019s next?\u201d It\u2019s also fair to say most in town are \u201cwalking on egg shells.\u201d<\/p>\n
I suppose we should take some solace in the knowledge that Ms. Dunn ultimately received the same severance amount she would have if she had contested the Mayor and Council\u2019s direction to resign and been released for cause. However, I believe we should be appalled that this injustice was allowed to occur by us, the Voters of Addison. Why did Ms. Dunn \u2018resign\u2019 and, if she did, why was she given a severance allowance that matched the amount of her contract with the Town? Sounds as if the Mayor and Council bought and paid for silence, as she agreed to a non-disclosure clause as a condition of payment. Wonder what they were afraid she\u2019d tell us.<\/p>\n
A huge portion of Addison\u2019s past success has been the cultural\/employment climate in the Town, one that rewarded risk-takers and creative thinking. We have Ron Whitehead and Lea Dunn to thank for that. The first answer to a service request from a citizen was typically \u201cyes\u201d followed by any needed financial impact or other resource discussion. See if you can find a staff member who will take a risk these days? Pretty tough, as most aren\u2019t making eye contact and won\u2019t \u201crock the boat\u201d for anyone. Seems most decisions are \u201ccost-based\u201d now, so if it increases cost we don\u2019t do it. It\u2019s as if we trying to make good on recent campaign promises to reduce taxes and rein in the \u201cgenerous\u201d employee compensation increases of the past two years. Of course, and doing so all while degrading service levels around Town.<\/p>\n
Only a \u201ccock-eyed optimist\u201d would believe that this story turns out well. I realize that the Mayor is unopposed next month so he\u2019s guaranteed another, and final, two years in office. Given his track record in the months since Ron, and now Lea have, departed, I trust he\u2019s busily engaged in revisionist history that will ensure his legacy as one of the great leaders of our Town. As an old Texas cowboy once opined, \u201cThere ain\u2019t enough perfume in the world to make that pig smell good!\u201d<\/p>\n
How long Addison, how long?<\/p>\n