OF, BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE

Here are the thoughts of another citizen that has issues with our current council.

In an article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press dated 9/21/08, Mayor Mary Capra is quoted as saying, "Residents leading the petition effort are doing so for personal reasons. Those backing the petition have either been directly or indirectly upset with an action of the City." Of course it is for personal reasons and because of actions of the City. Everything you do as an elected official affects our personal standard of living as a taxpayer of Centerville. This statement of yours drives wedges and mistrust. When citizens lose faith in local government, it is personal.
In 1776 our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence and then in 1786 they ratified the constitution championing the rights of the individual and rejecting concepts like divine right of rule and aristocratic entitlement. A government of, by and for the people. The founding fathers knew the nations success depends upon the citizens being well informed so they made sure information could flow freely. The first Amendment protected and granted the right to peaceful assembly as well as free press. Our ancestors were in an unprecedented position to be able to exchange their ideas and opinions. This freedom assured that rule of reason prevailed. They trusted the people would make the right choice where it mattered most. In the voting booth. When freedom of speech falters and the market place of ideas fail it is almost impossible for us to fulfill the most essential civic obligation we have, making informed voter decisions to keep our government in check. Unfortunately there is no quicker path to voter disfranchising than being excluded from the process.
I have witnessed Centerville's government not listening, demeaning, and not respecting it's residents. When we ask questions, emails go unanswered or we get vague answers where we need to ask more questions. My wife was accused by Council member Lee of "causing all the animosity" at the May 1 public hearing. Call me crazy but I think the $20,000 assessments and the forcing of hooking up to water at an additional $7500 +/- had something to do with that, not my wife. Centerville is 7.8 million dollars in long term debt. You can minimize it all you want, it is still a substantial amount for a city of 3800. The need for a third party to get involved with a state audit is warranted when the citizens lose faith in their elected officials.
So, yes Mayor Capra you are right when you say residents heading the petition and those backing it are doing so for personal reasons because our founding fathers have afforded them the right to do so. I hope more people with personal reasons and citizens that have either been directly or indirectly affected by an action of the City, vote a new Mayor and two new council members into office. Everything you do at City Hall affects all of the citizens of Centerville. The list of the disfranchised is growing. We may not have been paying attention a few years ago but we are here now, so start listening to us. Don't walk on the rights our forefathers granted us.
Citizens of Centerville, please sign the state audit petition and make our local government accountable. It may cost us money but think of it as an investment in our future and the future of Centerville.

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