I am writing in response to a recent letter to this paper by a self-described “opinion columnist” named Peter Rosenstein, saying he feels City Manager Sharon Lynn should be sacked. Were there any facts to back up his viewpoint? Apparently, no.
As he admitted in his letter, “I do not report on anything to do with the City Manager.”
Based on my over two decades in the newspaper and magazine business, I would respectfully counsel Mr. Rosenstein that professional opinion writers in the business spend most of their time reporting and working sources before writing, lest they come off as a drunk in a bar.
Fact: Ms. Lynn has skillfully managed day-to-day city operations during the tricky political transition between mayors Sam Cooper and Paul Kuhns. No mean feat.
Fact: At the same time, she has somehow overseen two major capital projects, the new City Hall and ocean outfall. Balancing day-to-day operations with multiple capital projects management requires two different skillsets and significant discipline. No mean feat.
Fact: Ms. Lynn was just named City Manager of the Year by the Delaware League of Local Governments. No mean feat.
I would normally cede Mr. Rosenstein his free speech rights, but not after even he admits, “I do not report on anything to do with the City Manager.” That’s more than a bit dangerous. I think he should publicly apologize to Ms. Lynn.
Stan Heuisler
Rehoboth Beach