Larry Koss (“Ex-mayor should think of community’s needs,” June 5) is wrong on several counts. Everyone who voted to change the form of government was not voting to remove Darlene from office.

I voted for the change in order to better assure that we would have well-qualified administrative leadership in the future.

I did not feel, given the antagonistic and litigious atmosphere prevalent on the island, anyone with sufficient successful organizational experience would choose to run for mayor in the near future.

He was wrong also to suggest that Darlene was propelled by self-interest and desire for growth.

The current building codes that have allowed or fostered development were begun long before Darlene became mayor.

They are the result of years of the council’s Land Use Committee recommendations made in conjunction with paid consultants – all authorized by various city councils over many years.

All of the codes we currently have were voted for by sitting council members, never by any mayor.

I personally feel that Darlene’s presence on the city council until the end of the year will be a positive benefit to our community.

She brings many years of experience and civic dedication to the table, and will be a valuable resource during this transition period.

Norm Wooldridge

Former council member