Local meetings would help to clear the air

To the editor:

I am not a good public speaker and would have a difficult time stating my concerns before a large audience. However, I have some thoughts much the same as very many residents of our city.

I feel that the acceptance of the resignation of Roger Hopkins was a move in the right direction. The town had become so negative toward everything that was happening that it would have been difficult to overcome the problems. In the search for a new city manager, I feel that the guidelines need to be more specifically outlined and communicated to everyone involved before the actual job description and advertising for a new manager is put to the public.

It seems that a lot of the problems have evolved because of a lack of communication or understanding of what is expected of everyone. I do not think any of us should forget that we are a small community, but more than that, we are a friendly community and still have many people who believe in neighbors helping neighbors. This is evidenced by some of the things that took place before the city manager issue, such as pitching in to fill pot holes, the planting of marigolds and the general pride taken by many of us in our property.

There are very few people in this town or in any town who have not made jokes about the amount of time that law enforcement officials spend at the Pizza Hut or the local donut shop. I still believe that Greg Dawson could do an excellent job as chief of police. The fitness problem for him or for anyone else should be addressed, but certainly it could be done in a more personable manner. I would like to see Greg given another chance to prove his abilities.

I would like to see the mayor and the city council organize a "town hall" meeting. There is too much that needs to be accomplished during a regular city council meeting to take time out for a lot of public comment. Let us see the people who have all of the complaints step forward in a public forum to voice their opinions. Let's also hear from the persons who feel that the best job possible is being done.

If something like this could be held on a Saturday afternoon in a larger meeting place than the city council room, with a structured question and answer comment session, perhaps we would see just how many people have valid concerns.

by Linc France
Columbia Falls, MT
Feb. 29, 1995