Why don't they just wait a little longer for the economic benefits of iProvo to start kicking in? iProvo is going to attract a lot of businesses that will greatly expand the tax base which would allow Provo to spend more money on employees. Wasn't that the main reason Provo decided to risk $39 million in tax dollars on iProvo?

Am I missing something here?

For ten years Lewis Billings has been kicking the employees that strive diligently to serve him in the teeth. In tough economic times we get the save for the future speech and in good economic times we have gotten the same save for the future speech but the fact remains since he has been here employee morale has never been lower. There is tremendous disdain for this mayor and how he treats anyone around him. He knows "everything" and you better fall in line with what is said. That is why Provo is suffering a million dollar budget shortfall for fiscal year 08 and more for fiscal year 09 because this mayor pushes down the employees throats projects they have not budgeted for nor that have been approved by the Council in the budget process but are told to "make it work" all while trying to maintain their current responsibilities and projects that are need to meet the critical needs of the citizens. I know some City employees might meet the caricature of government workers but most of Provo City's employees are strongly dedicated to Provo and its citizens. Unfortunately there is not the same dedication to the employees.

Isn't it interesting that Provo City is facing a budget shortfall and cannot keep up with the cost of living but State Employees get 5%, County Employees get 7% and Orem City Employees get 4%. Mayor Billings' mismanagement of the City of Provo's finances should be under review for all the money he has wasted, all of the projects he has demanded be completed that were not planned or budgeted, and all the vote buying he has done with City coffers. Where is oversight from the Council?

Is anyone noticing a trend here in the endless debacles that Mayor Billings creates? He blows some $60 million on iProvo and then can't pay the city employees fairly. He builds an arts center with 500 seats that will never break even. It would require more like 2000 seats similar to Sandy City's arts center to be cost effective. He loses the Provo Angels to Orem. He botches the land negotiations at the 4800 North connector and results in several hundred thousand in costs to the city as well as years of delay. He gives away millions to Action Target to get them to move into his pet project, Ironton, where he owns property and gets personal benefit... and on and on. Enough already!