Letters to the Editor July 23
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 3:14 pm
No good reason for recall
I think this recall is a personal attack against the mayor. I don't know the mayor, but I did vote for him. I don't like everything he has tried to do, but other things were obvious solutions and I wonder why we fight about them. Given the venom of the attacks, I think the last thing on the recall people's minds is policy or the welfare of the community.
I'm concerned about money being wasted on a recall, loss of a bargain price on a methane generator, and finding a home for the police department. These things need solving right now. Communication is a two-way street. If you have opinions, call your councilmen, don't just listen to gossip or fourth-hand reports. But, don't make us pay for your lack of interest in city affairs or your dislike for a person.
We live in a Representative Republic, not a democracy. We hired seven people to guide the town in a prudent, open, and honest way. I believe Skip has lived up to his end of that deal. You may not like all his answers, but that's life, and in 16 months you get to vote again or put your name on the ballot and compete in the war of ideas.
I say no to the recall because there is no good reason for it. If you choose to sign your name and have the recall - fine. I will, of course, expect to see you at city meetings, or hear about all the signers involved in the town's projects or running for mayor or Council. I mean, you know better, right! And, I hope each of you have perfect people skills and don't rub anyone the wrong way, because the next recall could be your very own.
Jeff Yates
Recall against community's best interest
Allen and I have never written a political letter to the editor but are sharing our belief that a recall of the mayor is not in the best interest of our community. We cannot see how such a recall can benefit our community, its image or future development.
Anna Nolan [Covault] and Allen Covault
Anna Nolan [Covault] and Allen Covault
Interested in all views
There has been speculation as to the reasons why I filed the recall petition (against Mayor Dana Trowbridge) and it has been insinuated that someone or a group of people recruited me to do this. I would like to state that this is completely unfounded. I took this action on my own accord and for my own reasons. Although it may be true that the opinions of people I have talked to had some influence on this action it was entirely my on my own accord.
It also has been assumed that one or more individuals involved in the city offices or government may also have personally influenced me. This is untrue. I would like to state that no one involved in the city offices or government has ever approached me concerning this matter prior to, or after the filing of this request for a petition. I would also wish to advise all persons involved in these offices, that, out of respect, I will not ask them for their support.
At this time I would ask that citizens concerned about this action to please write a letter to the editor. I am especially interested in the views of the supporters of Mayor Trowbridge. If I have caused an embarrassment to the community as has been insinuated, then I do truly apologize, however that I had to act upon my own convictions and for this I stand firm.
Respectfully
Steven Gaston
Business owners must step up
As for the Mayoral recall going on, I will let others fight those battles. But I would like to comment on what I have been hearing for many years, and again recently that really disturbs me. I am referring to the business people of this community who constantly say they can't run for public office because their business will suffer. To this I comment that I certainly am glad that the Founding Fathers of this community, and country for that matter, had the courage to step forward and govern. I challenge the businessmen and women of this community to put community in front of self during the next election cycle.
Steve Barlean
Recall threat serves agendas
I have been reading with interest and dismay the dialogue between the City Council and the Mayor. I realize that not every member of the City Council is "anti progress" and "anti Mayor" but after reading the comments of several City Council members over the past few months, I think that some members are using the threat of a recall election to further their own personal agenda rather than the view of the people they serve. I applaud Mayor Trowbridge for his efforts to enhance the city's relationship with existing businesses and to help secure economic development opportunities. I applaud his efforts to enforce laws that keep our community clean and attractive. I believe that a recall effort would be a waste of taxpayer money and a deterrent to others in the community who might be considering running for public office. While history is a great teacher, I think it is unwise for some members of the City Council to let their utopian dreams of the past become the model for shaping the future of our city. Not everyone shares the view that progress is a threat to small-town life.
Bonnie Luckey
Answers needed on recall issues
After reading the dialogue concerning the recall initiative of Mayor Trowbridge, it seems there are many questions that need answers:
1.) Is this a one-issue initiative(Sale of police station to Henningsen's)?
2.) What "policies are not in the best interest of the citizens of David City"?
3.) Where is the evidence for "lack of public confidence and support" for the Mayor?
People who take leadership roles and accomplish things are going to alienate some people.
Mayor Trowbridge has taken a progressive stance to move David City forward both from the standpoint of economic development and local infrastructure. If a few people who are unhappy with decisions regarding one issue or have a personal reason to oppose anything the Mayor proposes decide to petition for recall, it will impede the progress of our city tremendously.
We need to get past personal issues; maybe compromise; and move forward. Petition recall initiatives without good reason are detrimental to the city and discourage good people from serving in a leadership capacity.
Gerald Luckey
