TO THE EDITOR:

The purpose of this letter is to provide information to you and the citizens of our community who are concerned about the conduct of city meetings. I have always worked hard to insure that the people of our community were informed not only of the actions of our city government, but were also informed of the future as the elected officials saw it.

The mayor and council had met at 7:30 p.m. for many years. We received input from citizens that they would appreciate an earlier time for the monthly meeting so that they did not have to wait until the evening hours but could stop in after work or before eating dinner and preparing for the evening.

There is nothing magic about 6:00 p.m. nor is there anything magic about 7:30 p.m. I personally prefer the earlier hour but if the majority of the elected officials, representing the views of the people of the community want a different time it can and will certainly be done.

This particular issue serves to exemplify my point concerning communication. If other elected officials have a preference, they can certainly coordinate a motion, second, and vote to change it. As indicated in the paper of February 14, 2008, one of my most pressing concerns is to have the council members focus on the many important things we have going on in our community and move away from personal attacks and a general lack of communication and cooperation.

The inception of the work sessions is another example of an opportunity for communication and cooperation. Several members of the council expressed a view in a budget work session held late last year that they needed an opportunity to discuss some issues in depth then think over the matter before voting. Many governments around the state use this technique. The time selected for our February 6 work session was set to accommodate members who had a work conflict.Again, the time can be set whenever it accommodates most of the elected officials. The intent was to allow the elected officials to become as familiar as they desired with issues before the city.

As indicated in the February 14 paper I have no intention to stifle public input. I simply wanted to get the members of the council to communicate and cooperate on the important matters of the city and not become embroiled in personality issues.

Among the matters before us are: the redevelopment plan, primarily targeted to the southwest portion of the city but impacting the entire city; the rebuilding of our water treatment plants, a six-plus million dollar effort; the development of Kettle Creek as a tourist destination; the development of our historic cemeteries as tourism destinations; the enterprise zone to assist all our businesses and those wanting to develop a business; the development of a city-wide trail network; the development of a statewide 13th Colony Trail; pursuit of commercial and industrial prospects; continued development and improvement of the Pope Center to include the hotel; historic preservation; and the provision of city services.

I welcome public input at our meetings and I am certain that my fellow elected officials join me in encouraging communication and cooperation.
W.E. BURNS
Mayor
(Editor's note: Thank you, Mr. Mayor - that's all we really wanted. While you never came out and said it, your last paragraph indicates that the public will be allowed to participate at the work sessions. We hope that's what you meant. After all, it is the public's right - and there is no better place for us to join you in "encouraging communication and cooperation.")