It would be laughable if it weren’t so misguided. The city pays $22,000 for a phone survey of 350 people to determine the “mood of the city?”

Was this needed? Some of the “enlightening” and “helpful” information gathered, according to (Mayor Tom) Cosgrove, included “knowing that the community is aware ... of our current financial condition?” Was this truly “enlightening” information? Was it helpful enough to warrant spending $63 per phone call to gather it?

I wonder if the survey indicated a growing level of citizens’ frustrations with our city’s financial management.

I wonder what the library or recreation department could do with $22,000.

Nathan Oates, Lincoln