I have known City Manager Pat Finnigan professionally for over 10 years, first as a School Committee member and later as a city councilor. As most remember, I had very strong differences with the City Council during my early years as a School Committee member. However, even during my worst of times with the City Council, I have never known Ms. Finnigan to be anything other than dedicated, completely honest and forthcoming. These qualities have remained true to this day. Auburn is very fortunate to employ somebody of her caliber and dedication.

It is most unfortunate that current negotiations between the city and the unions have become stalemated. Anybody who knows anything about Pat Finnigan knows she is the last person who would want this to occur. Her past record reflects collaboration and progress. People need to remember she needs to work within parameters given to her by her directors, the City Council.

Hindsight is easy. Nobody is right all the time. People make decisions based on the information they possess at the time. To equate or imply dishonesty with decisions one doesn’t agree with is either mistaken or malicious. Knowing Councilor Bob Mennealy, I believe it was the former. If so, I also hope he will take the time to publicly clarify and separate the issues he’s concerned with from the personal attack this has become on Ms. Finnigan.

Ed Levine, Auburn