Dear Editor:

I consider myself a person who is plugged into my fifth ward neighborhood. Listening to my neighbors, I hear common concerns. Parking is horrendous. There is no new outdoor space for our children in the fifth ward. People have questions about the northwest redevelopment zone being divided among political allies.

In my opinion Michael Cricco has never addressed these issues seriously or provided any proactive leadership.

When the parking authority proposed building the automated garage at 916 Garden Street Michael Cricco supported the idea. It was to be the first one ever built in the U.S., and you didn't have to be a genius to know it would be a financial fiasco and legal nightmare. When the garage was three years late and millions of dollars over budget Michael did little to hold the Parking Authority accountable. Today the garage sits half full and street parking is no better than before. Michael also supported a city budget that stripped the new Parking Utility of $8 million that should have been set aside for new parking projects.

When the zoning board approved variances for the construction of condominiums on Columbus Park Michael failed to rally the neighbors against the project. The project's construction shut the children's playground for over a year. All of this happened when the ward needed someone to lead the fight for open space and responsible development. This was Michael Cricco's golden opportunity to prove himself a leader for his ward and he failed miserably.

A few weeks ago when the council had to address a $1.8 million budget gap Michael Cricco claimed he was somehow tricked. In the past Michael was so proud of his voting record on budgets. He once served as the budget committee chairman. Yet I have to wonder if he ever understood what he was voting for. A few months ago you voted for a budget Mayor Roberts prepared. Michael how much time did you spend studying the budget? How many residents of our ward did you meet to discuss the budget with? How, Michael, could you have been tricked by an administration you are, at least for this election season, aligned with?

Michael Cricco where have you been for the last eight years when your ward needed leadership? Where were you during the development boom when our playgrounds were being closed? Michael why do you react only after the problems have festered? In eight years you have never shown the vision and intelligent leadership the ward needs.

John Branciforte