To the Citizens of Manzanita

Submitted By: rkinor@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Let’s remember that our Mayor, Deb Simmons, was elected by more voters than any other counselor or mayor that I can remember. For those who complain she was running unopposed, no one else chose to run even though Deb would have preferred to have had someone else on the ballot with her. I was one of the many people who worked enthusiastically in this election process. The citizens expressed a growing support for Deb, being impressed by her willingness to consult with other Mayors, city councilors and others including grant writing experts. No negative comments were ever expressed about Deb.
As we have witnessed the city council and city manager have treated Deb with disrespect (rolling of eyes and talking over) and contempt in public forums. This behavior is despicable. I feel obligated to speak out and protest this council’s behavior, to ignore it is to be complicit. Last summer, during a city council meeting, members of the public expressed their support for the Mayor yet the council ignored and pretended all was normal.
The Mayor remained professional, calm, polite and soft spoken throughout the relentless bullying that occurred during her tenure. This kind of intimidation would discourage any prospective new mayor of our town. Where are the apologies to the Mayor for your false accusations, contempt and lies?

It is worrisome that 3 city councilors have resigned as well as our mayor
in years ’22-’23. We now have an unrepresentative government. One wonders how these appointed people represent the people. The city charter should be updated. The city councilors and Mayor should be elected by the community and the voters decision honored. Where is the integrity of the city councilors and city manager?

The public STILL needs to know findings of the employee complaint investigation and the legal costs to the community. It appears $24,000 have been spent on this investigation in the last month. (December expenses) We need answers to this investigation.

The Mayor’s Monday meetings were innovative, well attended and valuable to the community. The city councilors thought so too by following suit.
The Mayor opened up the planning commission appointment process to be more fair and transparent, even receiving praise from chair of the planning commission.
I appreciated the Mayor’s efforts to be responsible about the budget.

The hostile behavior of the council and city manager have cost the community financially. You have also lost our trust and our willingness to participate in this hostile environment.

I hope that the damage can be repaired.

Sandy Wood
Manzanita Homeowner