Irish tripping

Dear Editor:Thank goodness Mayor Mario Guerra is set to depart to Ireland on May 24. This gives him plenty of time to rethink his acceptance of $5,000 from the city to cover the cost of travel and lodging. Over the past few months, the mayor has seen first-hand many of the issues that could be better served with $5,000. For instance, the mayor and Councilman Alex Saab recently walked around to evaluate the problem of homelessness in the city. Five thousand dollars could provide food and clothing for so many more people than would otherwise be helped by the mayor's presence in Ireland. Also, the mayor and council members who voted to approve this expenditure have been briefed on the significant spike in violent crime in Downey. Rethinking the use of this $5,000 could jog their short memory and persuade them to invest in more lighting and surveillance technology, at least along our busiest streets and parking lots. Furthermore, the city has had to commission a few studies that require expensive consultancy work to achieve various objectives. In light of these expenses, saving $5,000 for the next round of consultancy needs is a really good idea. Mr. John Gately Downey, our city's namesake, a native of Roscommon County, Ireland, and the impetus for Roscommon County's designation as our sister city, deserves as much attention as any productive member of our community but if you asked Mr. Downey, I bet he would rather the mayor stay home and put the $5,000 to better use here. Dan Chantre Downey

********** Published: April 25, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 02