I read the account of a Port Angeles City Council meeting with dismay.
Under the guise of trying to improve downtown parking, Mike French tried to bypass established precedent for an open, transparent, public process that would have allowed a variety of voices in the community to have their say.
On an issue with such potentially far-reaching effects, we would want to hear not only from city staff, but from downtown businesses, first responders, those with disabilities and anyone else affected. In trying to bypass this process, Mike showed disrespect for the whole community.
Beyond any specific issue, this is really about conducting city business in an inclusive and thoughtful way that gives all citizens the ability to be heard and city staff to do their jobs.
Council member Mike Merideth was exactly right when he said he wasn’t against the idea necessarily, but objected to how it was being moved through.
The move reminded me of Facebook’s early philosophy: “Move fast and break things.”
If it had been successful, it would have set a terrible precedent, opening the door to a future lack of accountability.
I understand that following an open process feels slow and frustrating when you think you have the best idea since sliced bread, but that is how democracy works.
It’s messy, but ultimately it is the best way.
I hope Mike French will remember that all of us are smarter than one of us.
Laurel Black,
Port Angeles