Krasuski Promises Transparency

As a new Board of Aldermen took their seats in Mountain View, newly elected Mayor John Krasuski promised to lead the way forward through a combination of transparency, attentive leadership, and unprecedented community involvement.  

"I want to thank all the voters in town who did get out to vote," Krasuski said after being sworn in as Mayor on Monday evening. "You are City Hall."

Along with retained incumbent Alderwoman Laura Wagner, newly elected Aldermen Lindell Vandevort and Murray Anderson joined with the mayor in expressing excitement about what they plan to accomplish for the city and  surrounding community, including the completion of the Oak Street drainage project, a city-wide emergency alert system, improvements to the city website, installation of fiber optic cables, and a concerted effort to get moving on repairs to the city swimming pool. 

But before they can move forward on such an ambitious agenda, the Board will have to take on other tough challenges, including a decision whether or not to hire a City Administrator, a proposed audit of the city budget, and the reverberating effects of an apparent breach of trust between the public and city leadership. 

"The budget must be figured out before we can know whether we can make an offer for a City Administrator," Mayor Krasuski cautioned, "but I'm open to whatever the Board wants to do."

In response to audience suggestions of performing a city audit, he stated, "We have to start, and know where we're starting from...if we find discrepancies, we will have to pay for an external audit."

Alderman Murray Anderson cited the spread of rumor and misinformation as being at the very root of mistrust in city government. He explained it as a problem that can only be solved by the community itself.  

"If you hear a rumor, bring it to us," Anderson pleaded, "We've gotta stop misinformation, and asking questions is not misinformation."

Anderson further explained that improved transparency can only be accomplished through open and honest conversation about disagreements. 

"I guarantee you right now that I'm going to offend people," he said, "but I'll always give you a truthful answer."

Alderman Lindell Vandevort supported Anderson's approach. "If you guys have a problem, come to me and it will stay between us," he said.  

Despite clear challenges, Mayor Krasuski remains confident that the new administration will be up to the task. 

"This town has so much," he said, "Let's get moving."