Let Virginia serve on committees

Published 5:12 pm Wednesday, December 16, 2009

After reading the Dec. 11 article in the Auburn Reporter regarding the assignment of City Council members to subcommittees and the elimination of Virginia Haugen from any committee, it raises the question of “why?”

Although Virginia’s methods maybe sometimes unorthodox and slow down the slick, organized system of doing business as usual so we can get to the fun stuff, that does not mean she doesn’t have supporters in the Auburn community. If she interferes and impedes police work and is a threat to them doing their job, it is one thing. If she is on a committee that oversees them, what better way than to observe and be informed by seeing the real thing happening? How can a judgement be made about the people you oversee if you don’t see what they really do? Maybe other council members should consider the same actions.

If the council “rule” book considers this hands-on approach “illegal,” maybe the rule book needs a second look.

I am happy that our Mayor Lewis is attending breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and other community, county and state functions representing Auburn. I would think Deputy Mayor Sue Singer would be busy enough covering for the mayor in his absence, rather than serving on three or the six committees. Just a taxpayer.

– Pat Horn