Activists deserve thanks for exposing wrongdoing | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 9:31 am Tuesday, December 16, 2014

To the editor:

I would like to extend my sincere thank you and congratulations to Althea Paulson and Bob Fortner for caring enough about our city to expose wrongdoing, even at enormous time and expense to themselves. From the articles I have read, apparently, one council member not only refused to turn over personal emails that related to city business but also lied about it; while the other member is hiding behind his constitutional rights by refusing to turn over similar documents and clearly breaking state law. That the current city council would even think there was cause to appeal and then approve the legal fees for such is really the waste of our tax dollars.

A large amount of money has been awarded to the two concerned citizens because a large award is necessary if local governments are going to pay attention. Criminal acts by our representatives should cost a lot of money. What Paulson or Fortner do with the money is of no concern to me.

What is of concern to me is that our city council operates within the law and that transparency to their deliberative process be maintained.   I hope that Ms. Paulson and Mr. Fortner will use those funds to continue their activities in participating in our local government. This case has had a positive impact for communities throughout our state and because of this ruling various jurisdictions are reviewing their policies and procedures to ensure they are within the law. That is a good thing.

PAULA JOHNSON

Bainbridge Island