Lee: Last council meeting felt like an election residents weren’t involved in

I wasn’t aware residents were involved in an election at the last council meeting, but we were!

It was discussed how the council will move forward now that they are short one person. Toth commented on how Gayle Earle had already won her seat, so why not put her onto the dais now? Seemed reasonable, but her comments fell on deaf ears when it came to Dickey, McMahon and Kalivianakis. Here’s when the “election” took place.

It was read into the minutes there were around 50 comments emailed prior to the meeting, 45 against putting Earle on the board now and five in favor (not exact numbers). As for comments from in-person residents, four in favor and one against. It appeared as if this “mini election” gave cover for the three “obstructionists” to vote against allowing Earle to take an early seat. 

Had I known this public comment was so important, I would have prepared something. For anyone to say that Dickey, McMahon and Kalivainakis are all about helping the town move forward, they certainly didn’t show that. The council will be deadlocked on any business until new members are seated in December.

Several opinions have been written about how important transparency is, how the other board members are part of divisive organizations with hidden agendas. When it comes to Turning Point Action and Toth, it’s simply not true. But it sure does sound good when you’re writing opinions. I know plenty of people from various religions and lifestyle preferences that are also part of Turning Point. I think that’s very important for everyone to understand.

So I ask you, who are the divisive obstructionists on our Town Council now? 

I would expect others to take note and share my frustration with this. The real election can’t come soon enough.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.