To the editor:

I saw the advertisement in The Tidewater News for a replacement of David Howe, who has neither retired or resigned or been terminated as far as I can ascertain.

I would like to know why he is leaving the job and has there been any serious effort to retain him. If so, what exactly have you done? What date has he given you for his departure? If you do not have a date, how can the city manager be advertising the job in a number of publications?

I briefly discussed Howe’s departure with Mayor Jim Councill before seeing the advertisement, and in our conversation, I concluded that no one knows or would know when or if Howe would give notice to the city. So, advertising the position seems most presumptive.

I know of no employee of this city who has done more for its citizens to help save them money than Howe. Look at his farsightedness in reducing cost of electricity for both businesses and private citizens. Much of this was done through the &uot;Cycle and Save Program&uot; and the Peak Generation Plants that serve to reduce our cost of electricity during peak periods when loads are high on Virginia Electric and Power Company.

In addition, Howe is responsible for providing the &uot;City wide interdepartmental fiber optic communication system.&uot; None of you should forget the millions of dollars that he and his fine department have generated which have been taken from the electric fund over the years and put in the general fund. He made all of these things happen. Let’s treat him with the dignity and respect that he deserves for his outstanding achievements.

Dr. Robert Edwards

Franklin

EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was read to the Franklin City Council on Monday night.