Championing for causes -- and people you represent -- can be done in a
civil manner
John Chiv/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 07/12/2011 02:40:33 AM PDT
Councilwoman Atkins, we have only spoken twice, very briefly. It was not about politics, which was good because I got to see the person behind the council dais. We represent different spectrums of political beliefs; however, if we talked more, I hope we could find some common ground.
The Linda Atkins that I chatted
with on these two occasions was a friendly, intelligent, articulate woman and I
can see why your supporters are so loyal. One of the occasions when we spoke
was over refreshments after the new council members were sworn in and before
their first council meeting. We laughed and chatted. This should not be
unusual, but it may have seemed so to some, because I have been very clear
about whom I support politically. I saw our dialogue as the spirit of
cooperation essential to move this community forward.
Moments after this pleasant
conversation, I watched you turn around and “attack” your fellow council
members and others, and it was personal. They are not just my elected
representatives, but my family, my friends and my community members.
I am genuinely bewildered at
the Linda Atkins I see sometimes at city council meetings and the comments I
read from you in the media. The level of anger expressed -- and the disrespect
shown toward your colleagues -- has me questioning which is the real Linda
Atkins?
The last My Word I wrote got a
response from you, in which you called me disingenuous. I never responded, not
to you or the personal attacks from certain “progressives.”
Championing for causes -- and
people you represent -- can be done civilly.
Most recently, you spearheaded
a petition to fire the city manager. Your supporters and those who praised Garr
Nielsen brought up money and what it cost the city. Do you think the time you
spent on this petition and the meetings in which a loud, disrespectful group of
your supporters showed up was in the best interest of the city, and was your
time spent on this single issue a wise use of taxpayer money?
After serving on the city
council for three years, you know that a majority of the elected city council
can terminate the city manager's contract. A former city council member with a
grudge and a handful of angry residents cannot. Garr is in Oregon. He has moved
on -- why can't the rest of you? Maybe because it isn't about Garr but much ado
about nothing to distract people and fuel divisiveness.
Our community seems to have
certain angry, bitter people, many who are the very same people who protest
anything the city tries to do. It is the same names and faces that show up on a
regular basis at city council to complain.
Whether it's Jefferson School
or protesting a cell-tower or preventing Teen Challenge from taking over an
abandoned building, it is always the same people who have a problem. There are
never solutions, always blame, because it isn't about issues; it's about
attacking people who they disagree with, and yet those attacked take the higher
road every time.
It is about thwarting any real
change and taking political pot shots and hanging out at council meetings than
actually working to make a dent in homelessness or poverty or creating
legitimate jobs that would increase our tax revenue.
The people I voted for have
been consistent in their support and acknowledgment of me. They are proud to
associate with me, and I don't have money and I don't wear fancy clothes.
How many meetings did it take
before you and former City Councilman Larry Glass and the same vocal “majority”
reluctantly listened. According to all of you, the Marina Center was not the
voice of the people. Measure N passed with 70 percent voter approval this past
November.
It's time for a few to stop the
conservative versus progressive game. Most of us, regardless of our beliefs,
want the best for this community. Think how much we could accomplish if we
worked together and moved our city forward.