[ back ]
Don't Forget the Contributions of our Public Servants
(by Nancy Schulz Montpelier - October 21, 2009)
Don't Forget the Contributions of our Public Servants
Editor:
Last evening I watched on television as Mayor Hooper and the members of the Montpelier City Council were harshly criticized by many residents for their handling of the recently disclosed overpayment to Scott Construction.
As a resident of Montpelier, I, too, was shocked and disappointed to learn of the loss of such a large sum of money. I don't believe, however, that tarring and feathering our elected public officials and city staffers is a wise response. Our city manager, mayor, and council members already feel sick about this outcome. What can be gained by adding to their burden? They all care deeply about the welfare of the residents of Montpelier. While it's so easy now to second guess their decisions, can we accept that they took what they thought were the best actions given the information they had at the time?
The council members didn't run for elected office for fame and fortune. They're community-minded citizens and they're willing to deal with the nitty gritty details of city life, week after week, with little recognition or compensation. It's a time-consuming job that most residents don't want.
Of course, when something significant goes awry, there is plenty of fanfare. Several residents who spoke at the meeting said they would have voted differently in the last election, if they knew what they know now. I'd like to say that I'd vote exactly the same way. Mayor Hooper is a person of integrity who conducts herself with grace and professionalism. I am proud that Mary Hooper is both the mayor of Montpelier and one of Montpelier's representatives in the state house.
Much has been learned by this painful episode. In the current atmosphere of upset and anger, let's not forget all the good that our public servants contribute on a daily basis.
Nancy Schulz
Montpelier
[ back ]
