CDA: We're not going away

Following the last election that saw two new councilmen voted in, the mayor apparently interpreted the results as a political move (Reagan Republicans), refusing to see even the slightest degree of public objection of the way the city affairs were conducted. She was quoted as saying that the election changes nothing.

There are many of us in the city, residents, business owners, taxpayers, even city staff workers who take exception to the attitude expressed by her and by the council members who are similarly committed to her version of command and control with undying arrogance.

You should understand, that we (the community) are not going away:

Until you recognize that, according to the Idaho constitution, "power is inherent in the people." You work for us; city assets are our assets.

Until all citizens throughout the city are free to exercise their constitutional and God-given rights to be heard seriously without fear of repercussions.

Until favoritism in all its insidious forms is removed from decisions of local government.

Until all dollars spent by the city are recognized as taxpayer dollars and treated with the care and respect they deserve. All money (including donations) spent by the city is taxpayer money; it is the cost of government and we hold you responsible for every penny.

Until you understand that the city limits extend well beyond the immediate downtown area and a small, select group of business interests.

Until you stop hiding relevant facts and decisions from us. At the May 24, 2011, council meeting, I requested that periodic updates and information about the progress and status of McEuen be provided. You agreed, but in fact, virtually nothing of substance has been provided.

We will be watching and with even greater care than in the past. We understand now, apparently better than you that the election process gives us a voice, a constitutional mechanism to elect leaders of our choice and change government when it is out of step with our needs and wishes. We aspire to be a community that can say with honesty, respect and pride that we are a city of "government of the people, by the people and for the people."

And we will not go away until those words ring true.

FRANK ORZELL

Coeur d'Alene