The Town Council returned from its summer break for a meeting on August 15, only to find that public impatience with government had managed to trickle down to the local level.

Several speakers at the meeting, both in call to the public and agenda items, called out the council for perceived unresponsiveness and focus on a personal political agenda.

Two of the speakers are in fact council appointees to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Gene Mikolajczyk, who serves on the P&Z Commission as vice chairman, said his issues are with the “town’s political culture of secrecy, misguided spending, the culture of cronyism and faintheartedness in doing what is best for the town…

“This Town Council is dominated by a majority who believe that operating in secret and concealing information – even from fellow council members – is the path to political power and success.”

Mikolajczyk cited the lagoon proposal as an idea that was crafted by a “select few” and then “sprung on the rest of us.”

“What input was there from others? None. Why were no citizens involved to explore other options for our town? Because you did not want their opinions,” Mikloajczyk said. “Why were there not alternative ideas considered? Because they weren’t your ideas.

“With all of their expertise, why did you not consult our highly skilled town staff?

“Instead, $38,800 is being spent for what appears to be the pet project of a few empowered members of this council.”

Susan Fallon, who appeared before the council in June in support of a resident who objected to the Mayor’s Proclamation of a National Day of Prayer and the event held at Fountain Park, was back last week to challenge the council again.

Fallon noted that an earlier request for a response from council members had not been followed up by anyone.

“This Town Council has a solid and unfortunate track record of simply ignoring people you disagree with,” Fallon said. “Even when the issues are significant.”

Fallon cited a request to the council to take a position on the Paris Climate Accord, and the support of a dinner honoring “a convicted criminal,” Sheriff Joe Arpaio, as the council being unresponsive to public concerns.

“Search your conscience,” she said. “Is it true you only feel you need to respond to those you feel are your elected base? That is not how it should be.”

Mike Archambault is chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission and was speaking to the council regarding a plan to partner with the Chamber of Commerce on a visitor center.

“I have seen you sit up there and challenge staff on the information they provide because you don’t like what they say,” Archambault said. “It doesn’t fit your neat little agenda. You only want to further your pet projects without vetting.

“Listen to your staff. Their opinions are unbiased, yours isn’t.”

Mikolajczyk added in his remarks, “You are responsible for the culture of cronyism and favoritism that has empowered some favored citizens to once again believe that with friends in high places, the rules do not apply to them.

“In biblical terms, you reap what you sow. You are reaping the results of the culture of cronyism and favoritism that some of you have sown. You are the enablers for the problems that we have.”

Kathy Florence used a more diplomatic approach in questioning the council responsiveness. She had sent an email question to the council in June and had not received any reply.

“I’m just asking the question, could someone check and make sure the [contact] information on the [website] is correct?” Florence asked.