Hanlon's First Steps

In today's Globe North section, Mayor-elect John Hanlon discusses his intial plans for his administration focusing on establishing a quarterly tax billing period and requesting a full state audit of all departments in the City.

We agree with the establishment of a quarterly tax billing period, which would provide residents with a structured budgeting tool when paying their real estate taxes -- which more than likely will continue to increase over time, particularly if the state continues to chip away at local aid. While the issue of taxes may have sounded the death knell for the Ragucci administration, the reality is that as long as assessments continue to increase and state aid and revenues coming into the city decrease -- taxes will go up. Hanlon will truly be a Houdini-like mayor if he can help the city escape that reality.

The second issue that Hanlon highlights as a goal for coming into office is to request a full state audit of all departments in City Hall. This begs the question -- does that include the City Clerk's office, which Mr. Hanlon has run as his own little fiefdom for the past 20 years? If Mr. Hanlon is serious about the need for a State Audit, if the City Council approves the funding necessary to have one performed (and it's interesting to note that one of the first things Hanlon wants to do upon taking office is to make a large expenditure), if Hanlon and the City Council can put together a compelling enough case to the State to prove that an audit is necessary, AND if the State approves one -- it would be the sign of a true leader if Mayor-elect Hanlon would put his own office at the forefront be the first to undergo this audit. Hanlon has balked at audits of his office in the past and even though certain "administrative failings" have been noted in previous in house audits, there is no evidence to indicate that Hanlon has ever complied with recommendations resulting from these audits.

As so many said during this past election season, true leadership starts at the top. It's now time for Hanlon to practice what he and his supporters have been preaching. Open the books of the City Clerk's office to the State Auditors. Show the City that you will lead by example.