Editor’s note: The author is a distant cousin of Jason Spriet, a member of the Baker CIty Council.

Baker City is at a moment of decision. Our city manager’s unexpected but not entirely unforeseen exit is more than a loss — it’s a wake-up call. As Baker’s residents, it urges us to realize our faults and take the reins of our community’s future.

We often find ourselves entangled in discussions about the governor, wolves, Biden, liberals, and the fear of morphing into “another Portland.” These subjects should not overshadow our mission — crafting a prosperous, inclusive Baker City. These distractions are roadblocks to honest conversations about our future, and they threaten to sideline efforts to help our less fortunate rise and prosper.

As proud Baker citizens, we need to stop and consider our unique roles as a citizen. Of course, we all have different experiences and views, and these shape our outlook. But let’s not turn the City Council into a battlefield of personal beliefs and grandstanding.

Instead, let it be a venue where we collaborate to find practical solutions to local issues, a place where we approach our challenges with humility and a heartfelt desire to make our city better.

The City Council has a vital role — responsibly managing our resources and ensuring Baker City is a haven of opportunity for everyone.

Our city’s vibrancy is at risk of being overshadowed by political and personal discord. We must steer the conversation away from conflict and towards shared values and actionable plans that benefit everyone.

Our shared ambition should be to shape Baker City into the embodiment of the American Dream. We all deserve leadership that puts local needs first, fostering shared success and truly serving its people.

Our city’s future hangs on this promise. The Baker City that we pass onto our children hinges on our ability to choose unity over division, dialogue over dissent, and dreams over fears today.

Remember, together, we can transform Baker City into not just a rest stop to get gas but a beacon of hope and prosperity that inspires us all.

Mr. Cannon, I apologize for what you inherited, witnessed, and experienced during your tenure, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.