The lead article on the front page of today’s paper, “Renovations at Congress Square set to resume, but delays take toll” (Aug. 25), is a perfect example of why the city of Portland must have a qualified, experienced city manager, which we’ve been without for some time now.

Construction resumes at the corner of High, Free and Congress streets in Portland on Wednesday. Stalled for weeks, the work site has kept much of Free Street closed since the spring. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

This project has suffered many issues and serious delays.  This translates to lost revenues for businesses, higher costs for the city and long and messy delays, not to mention the unpleasant mess and traffic problems at that intersection.

We must not have our elected mayor run our city.  We need to conduct a serious search for a qualified, experienced, skilled person who has the know-how for running a city, including properly managing projects such as this. Vote “no” on this referendum question in November.

Deborah Napier
Portland