Letter to the Editor: 12.05.2024

12.05.2024

To the Editor:

Why would the Council modify Town Manager Mark Raimo’s contract to give him 6 months’ salary if he is fired without cause when the Watertown Town Charter states that “The Council shall appoint a Town Manager . . . to serve at the pleasure of the Council”?

Town Manager Raimo is empowered to fire employees that are not in a union at will.  Why should we pay an $80,000 penalty to fire him?

Raimo’s latest contract also increased his vehicle allowance from $3,672 to $6,000.  Where is he going for $500 a month?

Since he was hired, the taxpayers have paid thousands of dollars to consultants to assist Mr.Raimo in doing his job. The most recent, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) was hired to figure out the problems in the Finance Department.  We have paid both him and consultants for his on-the-job training.

It is time to change the Republican Party’s control of our Council.  These expensive decisions, along with the resulting tax increases, are really hurting us. The Independent Party offers you the opportunity to change your vote, not your party.  It’s just common sense.

KatherineCamara

Katherine Camara, 31 Cottage Place, Oakville, CT 06779

203-592-2043