According to County Clerk Danny Kolhage earlier this year, Monroe County began the 2006-2007 fiscal year more than $1 million in the red, has no [general fund] reserves and faces a $5 million deficit by year's end without corrective measures. "This is an extremely serious situation," he wrote to Tom Willi. "In my 30 years of service to this county we have never had such a situation."

We have freed Willi. The county now must focus its attention on the contract of Jerry Coleman, which is an item on the Dec. 19 County Commission agenda.

Coleman was hired as a consultant to, and legal advisor for, the Affordable Housing Task Force. His pay: $350 per hour. His contract reads the "county expects the attorney to seek the best solution for the county at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers."

Taxpayers also are paying an additional ... $80,000 per year for an affordable housing coordinator.

Have you seen Jerry's invoices? There are countless calls to an "E. Swift," and other names I do not recognize. On Oct. 2, 2006, he billed $750 for 2.5 hours "travel to Task Force meeting."

I bet you are not paid drive time and may not make $750 in a week. In his contract, travel time may be billed only if "unable to avoid traveling by using other forms of communication." Ever hear of conference calls?

Beginning January, Jerry is demanding $500 per hour. Just what has he accomplished? Have any of our trailer parks been saved? How much actual affordable housing has been built under Jerry's guidance? If $250,000 is "affordable," could you afford the $2,100 mortgage?

With "affordable" purchase rates really being "unaffordable," how much discussion has taken place about what we really should be talking about — maintaining the stock of trailer parks and rental properties we currently have? When the real estate market returns, you will see many rental properties sold with the escalating, cost-prohibitive property taxes and insurance rates. Through FIRM, we have battled insurance rates, but what has been done to keep property taxes in check, preserving the few remaining places to rent for teachers, police, firemen, that have not been condo-ized, torn down, or sold to second-home homeowners?

Enough. It is time to put a stop to this foolishness.

If you are not completely outraged at what has been going on, you are not listening — but you can initiate change. You have a voice — call, e-mail, or write your country commissioners before Dec. 19. Tell them you want Mr. Coleman's contract canceled. Keep informed; know what your commissioners are spending your tax dollars on, and vote next year when Sonny, Dixie and Sylvia are up for re-election.

County commissioners, ... it is time for you to clean up your house. Ask yourselves, what has Jerry Coleman contributed to solving the affordable housing crisis? Is he worth $500 per hour? Was he even worth $350 per hour?

Christine Russell,

Key West