Stop personal attacks in Prop. 1 debate | Letter
Published 4:08 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Yes, I’m the proud mother-in-law of our mayor, Amy Walen.
The personal attacks on the mayor, other council members and city staff hurt and are frustrating.
My points are:
1. I have a question for all of you vitriolic and loud folks complaining about Prop 1.
Comment: You are welcome to advocate “against” Prop. 1 with all your might and energy. Is it truly necessary to include personal attacks against those who have a different vision?
2. Having lived through dysfunctional City Councils in San Diego and [Washington] DC, I feel privileged to sit in on council meetings that include well-prepared and thoughtful discussion to agenda items – often lasting past midnight in the evening.
Question: Since the seats are mostly empty after folks have had their comments heard, how many of you vocal abusers actually come to the City Council meetings? Do you ever watch Channel 21 where the council meetings are broadcast? Do you understand the massive amount of preparation the council members put in to prepare for the meetings where they must make critical decisions?
You have a mayor who is dedicated; professional yet approachable; has a depth of integrity she is willing to fight for and is amazingly intelligent.
3. The city manager does “not” run the City Council – he is “staff” as are the other valuable staff members that run this charming city we live in. It is the 12th largest in the state and growing exponentially with all the concomitant challenges that come with managing the growth – from a veteran of multiple other City Councils, you are well-served.
As a family, we have not discussed Prop 1. I have read and listened to both sides and my decision is to vote yes.
My request to all of you who are so passionately against Prop. 1, stop the personal attacks – stay with the facts. If you can’t win by presenting facts and feel that the only way to get your way is to continue attack comments, you do not deserve to win.
Mary Lou Walen, Kirkland
