Letters to the Editor: Left Out of Process

Summary

---

I have been pretty quiet during the Whittier oil debate. Aside from attending a couple of meetings and talking to a few concerned citizens, I really have not participated as much as I feel I should. Every time I was available to attend a City Council meeting where it could be discussed, it seemed that the Council decided there was nothing important to discuss and they cancelled the meeting. I find it strange that with a decision as important as adding 60 oil wells to a wilderness preserve that our elected leaders do not appear to be that interested in hearing from its citizenry.

I was very excited when I read in Sunday's paper that there would be a public comment meeting. It conjured images of a time when my father would take me to Vermont town meetings and citizens would gather and let their opinions be heard. These meetings allowed for spirited debate of the important issues pertaining to our town.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Letters to the Editor: Left Out of Process

I was sadly disappointed when I arrived at the Community Center. It seems that the "public comment" meeting was merely a legal formality. There were a few city officials on hand, but they offered no direction or leadership. After awhile their consciences mus...

See the full content of this document

---