John Robinson will be missed. He is a good public servant and always had the best interest of the city in mind.

From what I know, the police department did all the things it was supposed to do.

We all know that we're up in the rarified air as far as price. But I think people realize now that we're not making this up. It's a real budget, not a shell game. The community has said it wants a 50-year building, not a 27-year building. Well, if you really want it, here's the price tag.

You need both components - renters and owners - for redevelopment to work.

Is it a perfect project? Show me one that is. Is it expensive? You bet, but sometimes doing the right thing involves sacrifice.

We're paying now for the sins of the past. The mill rate was kept low, even reduced, but the [fund to replace equipment] was stripped and the pension account wasn't funded. Either we swallow the bitter pill now, or take the radical surgery in a few years.

Now, we're negotiating [with TBI] what is due and payable under the contract. The city has moved into that phase.

I can short-cut that for you. I will not be signing that agreement.

Ryan is an excellent candidate and he's going to draw a lot of attention to this race. I think it's one he can win.