Chronicle Is Barraged with City Management Complaints

IRONWOOD, MI/HURLEY, WI - Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - The Chronicle has received many Letters to the Editor and other comments regarding the noticable difference between the streets in Hurley and in Ironwood. Hurley streets have been cleared to the bare pavement while Ironwood streets are hard-packed, wash-boarded and rutted.

Several letters were received complaining that the focus of the City's Manager has tended to be more about the SISU Skifest than what is in the best interest of the citizens and taxpayers of Ironwood. Many have been criticle that City has been spending taxpayer dollars preparing for the race instead of focusing on the City streets.

At a recent City Commission meeting City Manager Scott Erickson told the Commission that the City's snowblower truck would be used to assist the race effort, but no other City resources would be used.

Reports have been received by the Chronicle that the City's involvement in the race is much more far-reaching that Erickson lead the Commission to believe. City crews and equipment have been clearing parking areas. Critics have reported that City workers have been spending their time doing chores to benefit the race instead of concentrating on serving the citizens of Ironwood. 

The photos above show a parking area createdy by City workers using City equipment for the SISU Skifest.

EDITOR'S NOTE: While this reporter believes that the SISU Skifest has the potential to be a very positive thing for the Ironwood area, I do not believe it is ever acceptable for our City Manager to authorize "no-cost" or "reduced-cost" use of City personnel and/or City equipment for private profit-making ventures or private individuals. City revenues should be used to fund City functions only.

(SEE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)