While listed as a “hearing” on the agenda of the November 2nd meeting of the Battle Ground City Council, I saw no evidence of “listening”. Instead, the four council members who voted to fire for “no cause” back in July, along with the Police Chief, sat stone-faced during the testimony of Ms Swanson, her attorney, and the angry residents who testified in support of Swanson and against the “despicable” July 5th action. None of the questions raised were answered. Not one!
It appears that even in the executive session no answers were provided for the three council members who’ve been left in the dark throughout this entire unethical, and very likely illegal, process. The bad news is that the 4-3 vote will likely cost the city (i.e., we the taxpayers) hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of dollars. The good news is that Council positions #3 and #7 are both open next fall. I will be among those seeking to recruit and support candidates willing and able to govern by listening.
Gary Obermeyer
Battle Ground, WA
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