AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITY INSPECTION SERVICES

The recent announcement that Rick Murray will be leaving his city post as director of inspection services to take a similar post in Fulton comes at a time when builders, developers and others who must rely on city permits have voiced their frustrations in dealing with City Hall.

The complaints generally have focused on delays, bureaucratic snafus and uncoordinated directives from city inspectors. Meanwhile, Murray and others whose jobs involve compliance with city codes can accurately say that the city is a safer place thanks to the many guidelines and rules that must be followed.

The opening at the helm of the inspection services department gives city officials an opportunity to take some positive steps in responding to the complaints. It would make sense, for example, to look for someone to fill the director's post who can not only work well with builders, developers, plumbers, electricians and others whose work inside the city limits is heavily regulated, but also someone who can find ways to emphasize the "services" aspect of the department.