Citizen Article Questions the Purpose Of Local Elected Officials

To All COLA LO Members,

Last week a local citizen published an article in the LO review seriously questioning the purpose of local elected officials in Lake Oswego.    The article seemed to hit a point of concern in the community and drew substantial public comment online.   

The article can be found at: Rule us or Represent us?

In the article the author states:

“Do as I say, not as I do” should not be tolerated by citizens from our government employees, but that is what is so obviously going on. And just for the record, “budget problems” is not an acceptable knee-jerk response to this appalling double standard. More money does not fix misplaced responsibilities.

The online comment form citizens was very supportive of the premise for the article.    At the same time another article by a citizen was published as part of a PAC group Hold Steady showing a different opinion. 

Its all part of the ongoing debate within the community following what can only be described as one of the most contentious administrations in city history.    The direction of key decisions has caused many more citizens to become involved in the public process since 2008.

It seems with the upcoming election in November the community continues to become more aware of the direction of local government and the decisions made by elected officials over the past four years.     More citizens are participating in providing their views as represented by the above articles and letters to the editor.   

It will be interesting to observe how citizens evaluate the direction of the City council and new City Manager in 2012.   

Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.