To the editor:

According to the Suffolk city webpage, all emergency-management duties fall under the Emergency Management division of the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue. This department is responsible for the coordination and execution of all emergency response for Suffolk.

Why is credit for disaster relief being given to our city manager, Ms. Cuffee-Glenn, when it is managed by Suffolk Fire and Rescue? Why did the Vice Mayor use this as justification to give her a 21-percent raise? What exactly did Ms. Cuffee-Glenn do to provide disaster relief since 2008? What miracles did she perform for the city to warrant being paid more than all U.S. governors and the head of the Department of Defense? What has our city attorney done since being hired in January to warrant a $45k raise?

It is unbelievable that our elected officials would support such an unheard-of increase in salaries of appointed officials.

Citizens who have voiced concerns have received the following in responses: silence, canned email responses, a polished slideshow that attempted to deflect the issue at hand by putting blame on the School Board and Suffolk Public School administration, unanswered calls and — worst of all — an inflammatory, unprofessional letter of response from our vice mayor.

In addition, the City Council has refused to move next week’s meeting to a larger venue so the public can see and participate in the full proceedings, not just speak their piece and dismiss to stand outside.

Being entrusted with the authority to represent the citizens of Suffolk is a privilege that should be handled with fiscal and moral fortitude. Whether they realize it or not, the mayor, vice mayor, City Council members and officials appointed to manage the city of Suffolk work for their constituents. How they conduct themselves in that capacity speaks to all of us.

Ignoring what is right and just may benefit them in the short term, but we care enough about the quality of life in Suffolk to become involved and stay involved until our city is represented in the manner deserving of our diverse, civic-minded, and informed community.

Renee Clark
Suffolk