Rev. Avery: 'shocked and surprised' at short meeting

TO THE EDITOR:

I would like to apologize to all the good people of Washington who elected [city council members] to officeto take care of your business.

On Monday, February 11, 2008, many of you took time out of your busy schedules to attend a meeting that never happened. I was just as shocked and surprised as you were when the mayor abruptly adjourned the meeting. I cannot speak to the mayor's motive. However, it has the appearance of trying to hide something from the public, or to minimize public participation. The meeting was not even properly adjourned. The mayor calls the meeting to order, but there should be a motion and second to close the meeting. The council makes policy and the mayor (chief executive officer) should carry it out.

Although I went along with moving the meeting time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., I was not happy about that move because some people do not get off from work until 6:00 p.m. I do not go along with the so-called 4:45 work session; some of us have other things to do. In my opinion, having a meeting at such an odd hour, when most citizens cannot attend, is a deliberate attempt to limit the number of attendees at the meeting.

I was duly elected to the city council to represent the people of the City of Washington. I will not be silenced by not being on the agenda. This is not supposed to be a dictatorship where only one speaks and everyone else keeps quiet. Every member of this council has a right to be heard. I cannot speak for the other fivemembers, but I am going to exercise my right.

This is not an attack on the mayor. It is an attack on procedure. All we need is one meeting per month, which should be held at a convenient time in order that as many citizens who wish to attend will have the opportunity to attend.

Those of you who attend the council meetings regularly know that more times than not, I have nothing to say. However, if I have something to say, I expect to be heard. In most cases whenever I have a problem, I see the city administrator before the meeting. I do not give up my right to speak in the council meeting.

My suggestion is that we return to our old agenda and take care of the people's business, which is what we were elected to do.
REV. G.L. AVERY

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