Must we all think alike?

Transparency has been trumped again here in our Lake City.  In a now common pattern of behavior, the city council has tried to squelch questions and control the flow of information. Last week, they relegated me to a distinguished list of city volunteers who have been removed from their positions for asking too many questions.

The mayor and council would like you to believe they are open and willing to have questions brought forward.  But when legitimate concerns are raised, they grill the questioner about college credentials or wag a scolding finger at them.  And if the advocate persists, they can expect personal attacks, fabricated allegations and embellished investigations. 

As one of the city’s Planning and Zoning commissioners for the past six years, I frequently raised questions on a variety of issues. But last week, without notice or warning, I woke to a 7:30 am surprise the morning before Thanksgiving—a speaker phone call from the mayor, city administrator and assistant city attorney. They informed me of my removal from P&Z and cited the reason for my dismissal as "low morale" on the commission. And they didn’t offer so much as a thank you for six years of volunteer service.

Funny, because those of us on P&Z got along well and had pleasant conversations as we ate dinner together before each meeting. Maybe by low morale, the mayor meant that LCDC is trying to expand their boundaries and will need P&Z approval in the near future. And, even though my one vote would never change the outcome either way, I might ask some public questions, on television. Or maybe by low morale the mayor really meant that four P&Z commissioners have very close ties with LCDC, the same four that supported my dismissal: 1. Brad Jordan, who is also a member of the LCDC board and co-owner of a local real estate company. 2. Tom Messina, a builder and developer who recently brought a project to LCDC for possible funding.  3. Scott Rasor, a surveyor who works with development projects and is a strong supporter of LCDC.  4. John Bruning, the newest city council-elect.  John’s city council campaign message was prominent on Riverstone’s huge electronic billboard last month and John has become a favorite of LCDC.

These are all commissioners I have served alongside for six years. I would have welcomed the opportunity to talk with them about any concerns, but was never given that courtesy.  The remaining two commissioners, who did not support my dismissal, were unaware of any low morale on P&Z.

This move by the city has certainly caused some “low morale” among citizens in our community.  I have received a flood of emails, letters and phone calls. People are angry that the city would dismiss a volunteer who’s been conscientiously seeking transparency in government.  Here are just a few of the many comments I’ve received.  I won’t include names because retribution seems to be the method of this city council:
 

• “I was so shocked when I read about the way the City Council made a decision that is uncalled for. You are one of the few who wants the best for Coeur d'Alene. When I listen to the Planning commission on the CDA station I am always impressed at how well you work with such devotion for the citizens of Coeur d'Alene.”

• “We are surely disappointed but not surprised that the mayor and city council
  dismissed you, recognizing they don't like scrutiny; however, their public
  and vicious manner of doing so is utterly despicable. People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing!”

• “Sorry to hear you were removed from the Planning Commission.  You were the sole advocate for the citizens.  Now what? Does the political steamroller pick up speed?  Does the LCDC gain more power and make decisions without accountability to the voters?  It’s a sad day when individuals of your integrity are summarily removed from office.”

Perhaps the best way to end this column is with a famous quote that was also sent to me last week. These are the words of a strong leader of many, General George S. Patton, who said, “ If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. “