At the recent Delray Beach annual Citizens’ Roundtable, City Manager David Harden stated that the only way for the City to solve the difficult budget problem next year would be to raise taxes.  I believe this was inappropriate for two reasons:  (1) he is wrong, and (2) his job is NOT to create policy but to respond to the direction given to him by the mayor and city commissioners.
Last summer, when these elected officials held the tax rate for the current fiscal year at the same level as the previous year, I applauded them for two reasons: (1) they found ways to reduce spending, and (2) they listened to taxpayers who did not want their taxes raised.  During that debate Mr. Harden repeatedly suggested raising the tax rate. Bravo to the mayor and city commissioners for doing their job wisely and knowing what residents wanted.
It distresses me that Mr. Harden continues to lobby for policy changes — this is NOT his job — and step outside his responsibilities. His job is to run the city government according to the direction the mayor and city commissioners give him.  If Mr. Harden wishes to set policy, I urge him to run for office.
Kevin Warner
Delray Beach

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