DALTON: Recall democracy in action

The Press editorial of Feb. 20 demonstrates a misconception regarding the proper role of city councils, Dalton Gardens specifically.

Council members are elected to be responsible stewards of their cities, this is a temporary transfer of authority from citizens to council member; a transfer which may be revoked. Council members are to act as agents in good faith for the citizenry at large.

Councils are not elected to act as visionaries, as agents of change, or to transform their city into something abhorrent to the majority of citizens. Councils are not intended to act as leaders, but as responsible and responsive public servants only. The Dalton Gardens council has acted as if citizen concerns have no relevance in city operation or direction. Instead council seems to take its direction from outside special interest groups, and has chosen an out of state planning firm to help implement a direction already decided upon, that of stealthily transforming Dalton Gardens into a decidedly urban city.

This rejection of citizen concerns is why the recall effort of all council members is well underway. When appeals to reason, petition and argument fail to bring council to its collective senses, we are left with the remedy provided for by the Idaho Legislature, that being recall. Yes, recall is a serious measure — one which highlights the degree of widespread citizen displeasure with this council. As The Press continually bemoans the lack of citizen involvement in civic activities, shouldn’t The Press be more supportive of democracy in action?

CARRIE CHASE

Dalton Gardens