After reading the statements in the paper over the last couple of months from the various councilors that resigned, I asked myself what, for me personally, were the most disappointing decisions from their various truncated terms in city government.

I narrowed it to my top 3.

1. Casting a “yea” vote in front of a council chamber packed to the corners with concerned constituents, county and city residents, and fire/EMT staff, to work in good faith with the county to try and preserve our (formerly) outstanding ambulance service, only to, at the very next meeting, via an impromptu, unscheduled 4-2 vote, reverse direction dramatically from the previous meeting’s unanimous vote.

2. Before hearing out the questions, concerns and potential solutions from Baker City taxpayers (in the form of planned public forums), push through the largest single fee increase on residents and businesses in the city’s history (at least that I’m aware of), with the flimsy assertion that MAYBE, they might make adjustments after the public gets to weigh in.

3. Shortly following the justified community frustration and outrage over the aforementioned hasty fee vote, quit (what I find to be suspiciously), right before the public forums, in a huff of “indignation” leaving the city unable to do the work of the people and quite possibly, leave Baker City ratepayers stuck with the fee increases — in current form, despite what potential ideas or practical solutions may result from the residents of Baker City during their promised public input opportunities.

I’m of the opinion that the above incidents (no matter one’s political affiliation) demonstrate a disturbing pattern of flippancy when it comes to allowing taxpayers and residents their rightful say PRIOR to making gravely impactful, lasting policy, city service and fee decisions. So, yes, I find it impossible now to take seriously some of the recent departures who are trying to pass themselves off as “populists,” after behaving more like small-town potentates when they were seated on council. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that principles, when selectively applied, aren’t principles. They’re excuses.

Davey Peterson

Baker City