I have followed, with interest, the attempts at development of joint services between the Twin Cities. I am dismayed at the recent decision of the Auburn City Council to dismiss the commission and take no action on the report.

I appreciate the mayor’s willingness to admit that they do not know how to act on the recommendations, and never have in his four terms as mayor in each city. But lack of knowledge, experience and capacity to act seem poor excuses for abandoning the much-needed work of change, and good excuses for education of the mayor, council and manager.

There are standard ways of setting policy, implementing recommendations and managing change projects. Perhaps Auburn City Manager Glenn Aho might use some of the course work promised for his staff to also train the council in how to set policy, direct staff to perform to policy mandates and monitor project work. Having watched council meetings regularly for some time, it is clear education is badly needed.

In fact, the commission has delivered a business case for change. While Aho may think that is an outdated process, it is a standard means of initiating projects and implementing change recommendations in a fast-paced business environment. Suggested work will squeeze costs out of the system and provide real tax relief, not tax relief funded by the sale of city assets.

I am sure there are people in the community with project management experience who could be of assistance in explaining how to proceed.

Peter Thibeault, Lewiston