Editor:
At the last City Council meeting, held on 12-12-06, I found something odd.
On the agenda listed “Appointments to Positions on City Boards, Committees & Commissions,” there were three positions to be filled on the Planning Commission with seven applicants. The council re-appointed the two gentleman who have served for many years and then a newcomer. There were three positions on the Parks Board with four applications and three newcomers elected. There were three positions for the Tree Commission and seven applicants (I applied for this one). The council re-elected two members who have served and one new-comer. (I was denied on this one.) Three positions for the Budget Committee with four applicants, three were filled by new comers.
The one that bothered me the most was the the positions that were for the Safety Committee. Two new people applied and I re-applied. (Total of three applicants). The city council elected the two new-comers and denied my application 4-3 leaving one position open. The councilman who has been allowing his dogs to roam the streets and terrorize elderly people voted against me.
Hmmmmm – is that because I have been helping his neighbor across the street or that I show up at the hearings when he is guilty ? Or is it because of Letters to the Editor when I comment on police activity concentrating on other matters rather than the ones neighbors of Oak Terrace and Hwy. 228 and the speeders on Hwy. 20 near Pleasant Valley road complain about?
Am I upset about the voting? Yes I am.
I was the ONLY citizen that showed up at that meeting that was requesting to be on the Tree Commission and renew my Safety Board position. And I got neither. If that did not show my commitment, then what would you call it?
I am asking for the public’s help that believes in what I am doing to please show up at the Special City Council meeting on Jan. 6, 2007 where the new City Council members will be sworn in and also where the City Council members will be picking a mayor amongst themselves and I strongly believe that if they choose the councilman who keeps breaking the law with his dogs, the city will only worsen. He has already showed where he abuses his power and has police out looking for one of his dogs. What else will he abuse?
And I would like to comment on the Skate Park once again being closed due to vandals. Did they catch the people on their $1,500 audible camera ? Or was that just another waste of tax payers monies? Where were the police patroling that day or evening….Perhaps looking for the councilman’s dog again ?
I am asking for thr public’s help to please attend the ” Special Saturday City Council meeting” on Jan. 6, when the council will be electing a new mayor. Mr. Gourley does not need to be put in this position since he is constantly breaking the law.
Kim Lawrence
Sweet Home